Mumbai: Diljit Dosanjh’s much-anticipated film, *Punjab 95*, based on the life of renowned human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, is facing significant censorship demands from the Indian Censor Board (CBFC).
According to a report by *Mid-Day*, the censor board initially requested 85 cuts from the film, but after the review committee’s assessment, the number of cuts increased to 120. Among the most controversial demands is the suggestion to change the protagonist’s name from Jaswant Singh Khalra to “Sutlej,” named after one of Punjab’s rivers.
The film’s producers have strongly opposed this demand, viewing it as an insult to Khalra’s legacy. Khalra is a revered figure in the Sikh community, and altering his name is seen as a disrespect to his memory. Additionally, the CBFC has proposed a change to the film’s title, *Punjab 95*, which refers to the year 1995 when Jaswant Singh Khalra disappeared.
Further, the censor board has asked for the removal of a scene related to *Gurbani*, the sacred scripture of Sikhism. It has also demanded that all mentions of Punjab, particularly Tarn Taran district, be deleted, along with any references to Canada and the UK, deeming them inappropriate.
The film’s producers have labeled these censorship demands as unnecessary and unjust to the true essence of the story. They assert that the film is based on real events and witness testimonies, and altering it would distort the truth.
Directed by Honey Trehan and produced by Ronnie Screwvala in collaboration with MacGuffin Pictures, the film also stars Arjun Rampal and Surinder Vicky in pivotal roles.
