After a protracted battle with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the biographical film “Punjab 95,” starring Diljit Dosanjh as human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, is set to release in February without any cuts.
The CBFC had previously demanded 120 cuts and a title change, citing concerns over the film’s content.
In response, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) convened historians to review the film for accuracy. Gurcharan Singh Grewal, General Secretary of SGPC, stated, “I have watched the film, and it doesn’t target anyone at all. It shows the truth of Punjab in an unadulterated fashion.”
Navkiran Khalra, daughter of Jaswant Singh Khalra, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “It’s a story that needs to be told, and we’re grateful. We are keeping our fingers crossed that the film releases this time.”
“Punjab 95” delves into Khalra’s life, highlighting his efforts to uncover human rights violations in Punjab during the 1990s, which ultimately led to his disappearance and death.
The film’s journey has been fraught with challenges, including its removal from the Toronto International Film Festival lineup in 2023.
With the CBFC’s clearance, audiences can now anticipate the unaltered release of “Punjab 95,” shedding light on a pivotal chapter in Punjab’s history.