Panjab '95, a political thriller featuring Diljit Dosanjh in the leading role, has encountered yet another obstacle regarding its release in India. The film, which draws inspiration from the life and tragic demise of activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, was initially scheduled for a global release in February. However, on Monday, Diljit and fellow cast members took to Instagram to inform the public that the film will not be released as originally planned.

Panjab' 95 release postponed

Diljit updated his Instagram Stories late on Monday with a brief message stating, "We regret to inform you that the film Panjab '95 will not be released on February 7th due to unforeseen circumstances." Additionally, the singer-actor posted a photograph of the late Khalra in another story, accompanied by a quote from him: 'I pray to the Guru, who embodied truth, to maintain this light.'

Panjab '95, helmed by director Honey Trehan and produced by Ronnie Screwvala, features performances by Arjun Rampal, Suvinder Vicky, Varun Badola, and Geetika Vidya Ohlan. The film has faced numerous controversies for nearly three years, following its submission for certification to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

The change in title and 120 cuts

In 2022, the film originally titled Ghalughara, named after the Ghalughara massacre, was submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification under the new title Panjab '95. The CBFC, however, mandated 120 cuts to the film and raised objections regarding its title. Following intervention from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the CBFC agreed to withdraw its cuts but insisted that the title be altered. Consequently, the film was renamed Panjab '95. The trailer for the film was released on YouTube that same year, but it was taken down less than 24 hours later.

In January, Diljit re-shared a new trailer of the film on Instagram. It was announced that the film would be released internationally on February 7 without any cuts. However, there was no update on an India release.

Panjab '95 was axed from the Toronto International Film Festival

In 2023, the film was set to get its world premiere at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) but was removed from the lineup just a day before the premiere date. A source told Variety that there are 'political forces at play' in the film being pulled from Toronto as Canada has the second largest Sikh population in the world after India. The festival organisers never confirmed or denied this.

What is Panjab '95 about?

Jaswant Singh Khalra, a prominent human rights advocate from Punjab, dedicated his efforts to combat the alleged extrajudicial killings of Sikh youths by the Punjab Police during the period of militancy. He conducted an investigation into the mass cremation of thousands of unidentified corpses in Punjab from 1984 to 1994.

In 1995, he vanished under mysterious circumstances, and a decade later, in 2005, four police officers were apprehended in connection with his suspected abduction and murder. His life and untimely death represent a contentious chapter in the state's delicate history, particularly regarding its ties to militancy. The forthcoming film aims to present an 'honest' portrayal of his life, which has provoked significant controversy within the state.

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