Diljit Dosanjh’s much awaited film ‘Punjab 95’ is in the news, this time after the actor sharing a powerful new poster on his Instagram stories. The poster has Dosanjh Bound and Hanging, a striking scene that quickly went viral on social media. The film, which tells the true story of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalara, is engulfed in controversy due to the delay and serious demands from India’s censor board.
Back in January, Dosanj had already indicated that the film was releasing, writing in Punjabi that “the truth would come soon.” Despite the anticipation and emotional weight behind the project, the Punjab continues to face significant obstacles from the 95 Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which originally demanded 127 cuts.
Director Honey Trehan slammed CBFC sanctions
Speaking to NDTV, director Honey Trehan gave a voice to strong objections on the recommendations of CBFC, showing that if the changes were implemented, he would “remove his name from the project”. “If 127 was cut, only the trailer will remain,” the trailer said.
He also questioned the argument behind some demands, including removing the word “Punjab” from the title of the film. “The story is set in Punjab. Why will any sensible person remove ‘Punjab’ from the title?” The traihan asked. “They are Punjabi policemen who are wearing a turban, and they call me ‘police’, not ‘Punjab Police’. Where is the logic?”
Historical references under political name and fire
Among other conditions, CBFC allegedly asked to remove the name of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The exineration expressed disbelief over inconsistency in sensorship practices. “He also said that do not take the name of Indira Gandhi. Well, then what should I call him? There is a film called an emergency that is made throughout his life, and I can’t take a person to a person in the film? Why such a bias?” He said.
The Trahan stressed that Punjab 95 Jaswant Singh Khalara has a historic account focused on human rights activism, not a politically charged story. “I have waited and have patience for two and a half years. If you can’t express through your art, where is democracy? I have no words. It’s right now how it is now. Beyond one point, it is under someone’s control,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Dosanjh is busy on the border 2 set
While Punjab 95 is waiting for clarity, Diljit Dosanjh is currently filming Border 2, where he acts with Varun Dhawan and Ahan Shetty. Despite his busy schedule, the actor continued to create enthusiasm for Punjab 95, keeping a spotlight on a film, which wants to give voice to a forgotten chapter in India’s human rights history.
