Diljit Dosanjh’s upcoming film Punjab 95 is under scrutiny by India’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), facing an unprecedented demand for censorship with 120 cuts required. Initially, the board sought to remove 85 scenes, but following a review by the revision committee, this number escalated significantly.
Among the most controversial demands is the suggestion to change the name of the main character, Jaswant Singh Khalra, to “Sutlej,” a name derived from one of the rivers in Punjab. The producers have voiced strong opposition to this alteration, emphasizing that Khalra is a revered figure in the Sikh community, and changing his name would undermine his legacy.
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Additionally, the censor board has proposed altering the film’s title, Punjab 95, which references the year of Khalra’s disappearance. There are also demands to eliminate a scene that features Gurbani, a sacred text of the Sikh religion. Furthermore, any mention of Punjab and the district of Tarn Taran has been flagged for removal, with references to Canada and the UK deemed inappropriate as well.
The producers have criticized these demands as unnecessary and unjust, arguing that the film is rooted in true events and testimonies. They contend that altering key elements would compromise the film’s authenticity and narrative integrity. Directed by Honey Trehan and produced by Ronnie Screwvala alongside MacGuffin Pictures, Punjab 95 also features prominent actors like Arjun Rampal and Surinder Vicky in significant roles.
