In a surprising twist, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has thrown its weight behind the embattled biopic ‘Punjab ’95,’ directed by Honey Trehan, and starring popular Punjabi actor and singer, Diljit Dosanjh. The film, which focuses on the life and activism of human rights advocate Jaswant Singh Khalra, has come under heavy scrutiny by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which is demanding significant edits that critics argue would sanitize the story and obscure historical truth.
Diljit Dosanjh, known for his impactful roles and his prominence in both the Punjab film industry and Bollywood, portrays Khalra, a man celebrated for his fearless investigation into the disappearances and extrajudicial killings of Sikh youths during the Punjab insurgency from 1984 to 1994. The crackdown by the CBFC included a staggering 120 changes, ranging from altering the film’s title to renaming Khalra’s character. This draconian stance by the CBFC has triggered a wave of backlash and concern, albeit with some significant support coming from unexpected quarters.
Gurcharan Singh Grewal, the General Secretary of the SGPC, voiced his strong disapproval of the CBFC’s recommendations. In an exclusive interaction with mid-day, Grewal expressed astonishment that a film based on Khalra’s critical work would face such hurdles. “The CBFC’s role, as I understand it, is to excise elements that could undermine national unity, attack faith, or incite violence. However, this film does none of those. Jaswant Singh Khalra was a man of the people, transcending political lines. What justification can they provide for removing his name from a film based on his invaluable contributions? Why should the title be changed? This narrative is an integral part of Punjab’s history,” Grewal emphasized.
The significance of Khalra’s work cannot be overstated. He emerged as a pivotal figure in the aftermath of the anti-Sikh riots and ongoing police atrocities. His investigations uncovered clandestine police death squads that abducted, tortured, and cremated Sikhs without proper identification or due process. In Amritsar alone, Khalra identified over 2,000 unaccounted-for Sikh men.
. His efforts led to significant legal actions and compensations for affected families. “I know people who have received court-mandated compensation because of Khalra’s tireless work,” Grewal observed.
The demand for 120 cuts has raised the question: “After such extensive edits, what will remain of the film?” For advocates like Grewal, these modifications amount to a deliberate erasure of a crucial chapter in Punjab’s history. Grewal kindled the controversy further by suggesting that art should not be manipulated to reflect the agenda of the country’s ruling powers. “This film stands out because it tells the story of a people’s champion. It’s not like ‘The Kashmir Files’ or ‘The Kerala Story.’ Were there recommendations to remove Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s name from his biopic, or the name of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar from his? This is a clear double standard,” Grewal argued.
The CBFC’s decision has met with fierce resistance from different segments of society, especially within the Sikh community. The SGPC’s backing brings significant weight to the opposition, amplifying concerns about historical revisionism and the stifling of cinematic expression. As the largest representative body of the Sikhs, the SGPC’s role in addressing Sikh issues, including historical narratives, lends credence and urgency to the broader discourse around the film.
The broader implications of the CBFC’s stance on ‘Punjab ’95’ touch upon issues of censorship, freedom of expression, and the power dynamics involved in narrative control. How stories of marginalized communities are portrayed in mainstream media remains a contentious and deeply political issue. The outcry over Khalra’s portrayal is a testimony to his lasting impact on Punjab and Sikh history.
As public discourse continues to mount pressure on the CBFC, the future of ‘Punjab ’95’ remains uncertain. However, the unified stand demonstrated by Grewal and the SGPC signifies a significant move towards preserving the integrity of Punjabi heritage and the memory of Jaswant Singh Khalra’s relentless quest for justice.
