Punjab '95: Diljit Dosanjh drops first look as Jaswant Singh Khalra, announces release of controversial film

An issue with censor clearance delayed the release of Punjab '95, starring Diljit Dosanjh. Activist Jaswant Singh Khalra of Punjab is the inspiration for Honey Trehan's biopic. In December 2022, RSVP presented the film they produced to the censor board. Following several cuts and delays, RSVP pushed back the film's release date to February 2025. Nevertheless, the producers have remained tight-lipped about the film's distribution platform.

Diljit Dosanjh shares stills from Punjab '95

Diljit Dosanjh posted stills from his role as Jaswant Singh Khalra on Saturday to his Instagram account. The stills feature Diljit Dosanjh in old and ripped clothing, his body drenched in blood. His caption for the post read, "Challenge the darkness." In an Instagram story, he revealed that February is the film's release date.

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CBFC increases cuts and rebranding demands

According to a Mid Day September report, the Revising Committee and CBFC head Prasoon Joshi viewed the intense drama last month before distributing the final round of edits. According to reliable sources, the number of cuts has jumped dramatically, from 85 to about 120. One of the most important demands is the complete rebranding of Khalra's character.

As per the suggestion of the CBFC, the film will now bear the name Sutlej, symbolizing the river that unites Punjab. The film has undergone a staggering 120 adjustments. Not referring to the main character as Jaswant Singh anymore is the most significant alteration. Honey and producer Ronnie Screwvala, who spoke with CBFC, said they would not allow this modification in the film, which revolves around Khalra's investigation into the 1984–1994 Punjab insurgency and the disappearance and murders of Sikh youths. They contended that the Sikh community views Khalra as a martyr and that it would be insensitive to remove his name in order to show disrespect to the family and the community as a whole. Furthermore, the film will no longer be classified as a biopic. Additionally, the CBFC stated that the film cannot claim to be based on historical events, as this could potentially sway viewers' sentiments.

Legal and negotiation efforts by the producers

The film, which debuted at the CBFC in 2022, co-starred Arjun Rampal and Suvinder Vicky. Ever since that day, Trehan and Screwvala have been making every effort to clear it. The producer took the matter to court, challenging the 22 cuts requested by the Censor Board at the time. 

In the end, the producers opted to try to settle out of court. The Revising Committee had previously requested that they change a scene in which the main character says that more than 25,000 people have died in Punjab. The Revising Committee recommended a decrease in the number. The source further stated that Honey and Ronnie had argued against the film, pointing out that it relied solely on real-life testimony and a ruling from the CBI court in the 1990s.

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