Demand for 120 cuts from CBFC and Diljit Dosanjh's apology later, Punjab '95 release delayed again - All you need to know

Diljit Dosanjh's Punjab '95, which was among one of his most-awaited films in recent times, has to face another delay. The film has already gone through a lot of delays, and here comes another one, right after the teaser of the film was out. Punjab '95, like Emergency, was also stuck with the CBFC and faced 120 cuts. Once cleared, the movie found a theatrical release date but even that didn't last long. There is now another delay, and this time, it calls for an apology from Diljit himself. Here's everything you wish to know...

Diljit Dosanjh issues apology for Punjab '95 delay without stating the reason

Diljit took to his Instagram stories and wrote, "We are very sorry and it pains us to inform you that the movie Punjab '95 will not release on 7th Feb due to circumstances beyond our control."

Also read: Panjab '95 OTT partner revealed: Here's where you can stream Diljit Dosanjh's controversial biopic on Jaswant Singh Khalra

Punjab '95 delay after confirmed date announced in teaser

The first teaser of Punjab '95 was out just a few days back on Friday, January 17. The team sighed in relief after their struggle in getting the movie to release, but sure about it then, they confirmed that Punjab '95, directed by Honey Trehan, will be out in theatres on February 7.

Also read: Punjab 95: Diljit Dosanjh's film to release without any cuts? Here's what we know

CBFC previously ordered 120 cuts in Punjab '95

Punjab '95 was stuck with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for more than a year. They demanded more than 120 cuts in the movie, which led to the makers deciding to release the film internationally instead of in India.

When the teaser was unveiled though, Diljit confirmed that there are no cuts and the full movie will release. He shared it with the caption, "#ChallengeTheDarkness."

Why is Punjab '95 under CBFC scrutiny?

Punjab '95 has been stuck with the CBFC for over a year (from 2022) owing to its sensitive topic. The movie is based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. He played an important role in post-Independence Punjab, by exposing how the state police killed the Sikh youths (almost 25,000 unlawful killings) during militancy in the early 90s. Khalra was later kidnapped, tortured, and eventually murdered while trying to fight for justice. Six police officials were convicted for his abduction and killing.

Punjab '95 was screened for Khalra's family members, who gave their approval for the film. His wife Paramjit Kaur Khalra also criticized CBFC's stand by stating that the family wants the movie to release unaltered. However, the fight for the same goes on, with no new release date in sight.