Diljit Dosanjh’s much-anticipated film Punjab 95, based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, will no longer release on February 7, as originally scheduled. Addressing the delay, Dosanjh shared a heartfelt message on his Instagram story, expressing regret over the circumstances leading to this decision.
Film Release Delay Announced
- Diljit Dosanjh confirmed that Punjab 95 will not premiere on February 7.
- He shared: “We are 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.”
Global Release Without Cuts
- The film is set for an international release without any cuts.
- In India, however, its release faces hurdles due to ongoing issues with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
- Earlier, Dosanjh captioned the trailer release post on Instagram with: “Panjab 95 releases in Cinemas Internationally only on 7th February. P.S. Full Movie, No Cuts #ChallengetheDarkness.”
Storyline and Controversy
- Punjab 95 sheds light on Jaswant Singh Khalra’s fight for justice during Punjab’s tumultuous militancy era, highlighting his investigations into human rights abuses and enforced disappearances of Sikhs.
- Directed by Honey Trehan and backed by Ronnie Screwvala’s RSVP Movies, the film promises a gripping narrative of courage and activism.
- Initially titled Ghalughara (meaning massacre), the title was changed to Punjab 95 following objections from the Censor Board, which also demanded over 120 cuts.
Censor Board and SGPC Interventions
- The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) intervened, leading the Censor Board to reduce its demands for cuts but maintain the title change.
- Despite compliance, the film’s trailer, uploaded on YouTube, was removed a day later due to ongoing controversies.
Related Developments: Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency
- Punjab 95 is not the only film embroiled in controversy. Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency has also faced protests across Punjab, with Sikh organizations, including SGPC, calling for a ban.
- The film, which explores the Emergency declared by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975, has been accused of tarnishing the image of Sikhs and distorting history.
- SGPC stated that Emergency, scheduled for release on January 17, 2025, is problematic and should not be shown in Punjab.
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Past Film Festival Withdrawal
- In 2023, Punjab 95 was initially set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
- The film was unexpectedly removed from the lineup without official explanation from the organizers, adding to its journey’s challenges.
