Censorship – The Arts

Diljit Dosanjh’s opened up on his film Punjab ’95 facing hurdles with Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)

Diljit Dosanjh’s much-anticipated film Punjab ’95 has hit a roadblock with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The singer recently addressed the issue during an Instagram live session. Director Honey Trehan has been grappling with the CBFC for over a year, as the board has reportedly demanded significant cuts in the film. The CBFC had initially suggested 120 cuts to the film.

During his Instagram live, Diljit spoke in Punjabi about his stance on the film’s release, stating, “I hope the film gets released in India soon.  I will support only that film that will be released fully without any cuts. If you release the film without cuts I will come, otherwise with cuts it doesn’t matter. I hope some solution will come out and it will release in Punjab.” He also shared that the potential of Punjab’95 will decline if it is released with cuts and it simply defeats the purpose of the film’s message.

Punjab 95, a biographical drama based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra and the source material for the film, primarily the court documents, CBI documents, press documents and Human Rights Commission findings, and  has been stuck in limbo for years. Khalra exposed thousands of illegal killings and disappearances in Punjab during the 1990s. The film, which was expected to premiere at film festivals and had notable names attached, faced severe objections from the CBFC.