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Last Updated: January 21, 2025, 02:24 IST
Diljit Dosanjh’s Film Punjab ’95 Faces Censorship Delays
Diljit Dosanjh’s highly anticipated film, Punjab ’95, has encountered significant challenges leading to yet another delay in its release, originally scheduled for February 7. The film, which tells the impactful story of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, has run into persistent obstacles related to censorship by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
The project was initially delayed for over a year, primarily due to conflicts with the CBFC regarding content that addresses sensitive historical issues. In an official statement shared via Instagram, both Dosanjh and producer Honey Trehan expressed their disappointment over the latest development, stating, “We are sorry and it pains us to inform that the movie Punjab ’95 will not release on 7th Feb due to circumstances beyond our control.” This announcement has understandably left many fans disheartened.
Just a week prior, the film’s trailer was unveiled, prompting excitement about the upcoming release. Dosanjh had proclaimed, “P.S. Full Movie, No Cuts,” in an attempt to reassure viewers about the film’s integrity. Nevertheless, shortly following its release, the trailer was removed from YouTube in India, with users encountering a notice indicating that it was not available in their region. Despite accumulating over 300,000 views within 20 hours, the censorship controversy surrounding the film only intensified.
The narrative of Punjab ’95 highlights the courageous journey of Jaswant Singh Khalra, who bravely brought to light the extrajudicial killings of Sikh youths executed by the Punjab Police during the tumultuous period of the 1990s. The film has reportedly faced substantial demand for cuts, with the CBFC initially suggesting a staggering 120 edits to the work. Khalra’s legacy as a symbol of resistance is profound; he was kidnapped and murdered by police forces in 1995, a case that later saw several officers convicted for their actions.
Paramjit Kaur Khalra, the activist’s widow, has been vocally opposing the censor board’s insistence on altering the film. She firmly believes that the film, developed with the family’s consent, deserves to be presented to audiences in its original form. “The film should be shown to the world without any cuts,” she asserted, emphasizing the critical importance of accurately portraying her husband’s story in history.
As of this moment, followers of Punjab ’95 will have to await further clarification regarding its eventual release date. The situation underlines the ongoing struggle for artistic expression in the face of censorship, particularly when it concerns sensitive historical topics.
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