The long-delayed historical drama 'Punjab ’95', featuring Diljit Dosanjh as human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, has found a powerful advocate for its uncensored release. Retired Punjab and Haryana High Court judge, Justice Ranjit Singh, has formally urged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to clear the film for screening without any cuts, emphasizing its documented historical significance.
A Call for Uncut Release Based on Fact
Justice Ranjit Singh, who now chairs the reconstituted Punjab Human Rights Organisation (PHRO), has stated that the film's portrayal of Khalra's custodial killing is grounded in judicial records. He described the narrative as "very close to reality" and stressed that the events depicted are not mere allegations but established facts that deserve to be known by the public.
"I see no objection to any part of the film," Justice Singh asserted. "What it shows is real and supported by material already on record. In my view, Punjab ’95 must be released without any cuts." This endorsement is a significant development in the film's three-year battle for release in India.
Director's Stand Against CBFC Demands
Director Honey Trehan has openly criticized the extensive list of objections from the CBFC. The board reportedly suggested removing the word 'Punjab' from the title and avoiding references to the Punjab Police and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Trehan questioned the logic, arguing that the story is intrinsically about Punjab and involves police officers from the state.
Reacting to the suggestion about Indira Gandhi, Trehan deemed it 'unreasonable', noting that other films have depicted her life freely. He maintains that 'Punjab ’95' is a film about history and human rights, not politics, and was made with the full consent of Khalra's family.
A Story of Delays and Family Support
The film's journey has been fraught with obstacles. Originally titled 'Ghalughara', it was renamed following CBFC objections. Its release has been stalled for years, with the board initially seeking a staggering 127 cuts. Trehan previously stated that implementing these would distort the film's essence so severely that he would consider removing his name from the project.
The Khalra family, including Jaswant Singh Khalra's wife Paramjit Kaur Khalra, has consistently supported the film's uncut release, opposing the CBFC's proposed changes. The film chronicles Khalra's investigation into illegal cremations and enforced disappearances during Punjab's turbulent period in the 1990s.
Despite an international release being scheduled for May 16, 2025, and Diljit Dosanjh announcing a February 2025 release earlier this year, both plans were postponed due to circumstances beyond the team's control. The film's trailer was also briefly uploaded and subsequently taken down in India, adding to the uncertainty surrounding its final release.
