In a fervent statement delivered on October 3, Paramjit Kaur Khalra, the widow of the well-known human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, openly criticized the sweeping changes that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) proposed for the biopic ‘Punjab 95’. The film, directed by Honey Trehan, aims to preserve and honor the legacy of Khalra, who was a pivotal figure in exposing human rights violations during a turbulent period in Punjab’s history. However, the CBFC’s recommendation of nearly 120 edits has sparked a vehement response from the Khalra family and filmmakers alike.
The film ‘Punjab 95’, which revisits the dark and tumultuous times during the Punjab insurgency between 1984 and 1994, particularly focuses on Khalra’s brave efforts to uncover the mysterious disappearances and killings of Sikh youths. Khalra himself vanished in September 1995, and a decade later, six Punjab police officials were held accountable for his murder. Thus, the film not only sheds light on this grim chapter in Punjab’s history but also questions the circumstances surrounding Khalra’s tragic end.
Paramjit Kaur Khalra, in her statement, has urged the CBFC, led by Prasoon Joshi, to avoid altering the well-documented facts showcased in the movie. Her impassioned plea comes after revelations from mid-day regarding the board’s extensive list of changes, which reportedly include altering the protagonist’s name, eliminating references to specific locations like Tarn Taran and Punjab, and censoring religious content such as the recitation of Gurbani. Such alterations, Khalra warns, threaten to tamper with the truth and the vital historical context the movie seeks to present.
Speaking from the United States, Paramjit expressed deep disappointment over the board’s persistent hold on the film, which has been caught in bureaucratic red tape since December 2022. She articulated, “This is an issue that doesn’t require this level of scrutiny and censorship; it appears to be manufactured intentionally. The film, as it stands, is grounded in verified facts accessible in the public domain. The judicial proceedings that followed my husband’s disappearance were based on undeniable truths. Allowing the true version of this story to be told will foster understanding and healing, potentially easing tensions between the public and governing bodies.”
Her daughter, Navkiran Kaur Khalra, who lives in the US, echoed similar sentiments.
. She recounted initial hesitations about collaborating on a movie project due to anticipated resistance from governmental authorities. “As participants in civil rights and human rights activism, there’s an ingrained skepticism towards believing that established facts will be permitted public airing by Indian authorities,” she shared. Despite these concerns, Trehan’s unwavering resolve and meticulous attention to detail convinced Navkiran that her father’s monumental efforts could indeed reach a global audience.
The film was positioned for a prominent debut at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023, buttressed by solid adherence to the truth as reported in news archives and court documents. Yet, as the CBFC imposed extensive cuts and suggested a change in the film’s name, what was intended to be a factual depiction of history risks devolving into a sanitized narrative devoid of its core message and impact.
Navkiran insists that neither she nor her family will consent to the CBFC’s proposed modifications. She emphasizes the importance of showcasing the version collective agreed upon with Trehan and points out the adverse precedent set by the board’s intervention in artistic expression. “If India aspires towards becoming a global superpower, it must emulate more transparent standards similar to those in countries like the US. We’ve seen critical films emerge about the Iraq War scrutinizing the US government, and yet they were allowed to screen.”
With the film caught in limbo, director Trehan and producer Ronnie Screwvala express mounting frustration over the impasse with the CBFC. The initial plan was to release ‘Punjab 95’ this year, followed by a deal with an OTT platform. However, a prolonged delay in receiving certification and subsequent legal entanglements have thwarted these plans.
A source connected to the project reveals ongoing radio silence from the CBFC, although there are whispers of an impending assignment of a new Revising Officer. But until any official communication is received, the path forward remains fraught with uncertainty for the filmmakers and those eager to see ‘Punjab 95’ in its most authentic form.
