An issue regarding censor clearance has postponed the release of Punjab '95, featuring Diljit Dosanjh. The film, inspired by the life of Punjab activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, is directed by Honey Trehan. In December 2022, the production company RSVP submitted the film to the censor board. After enduring multiple cuts and delays, RSVP has rescheduled the film's release to February 2025. However, the producers have not disclosed any information regarding the film's distribution platform.

Diljit Dosanjh shares stills from Punjab '95

On Saturday, Diljit Dosanjh shared images from his portrayal of Jaswant Singh Khalra on his Instagram account. The images depict him in tattered clothing, with his body covered in blood. His caption read, "Challenge the darkness." In an Instagram story, he confirmed that the film is set to be released in February.

CBFC increases cuts and rebranding demands

As reported by Mid Day in September, the Revising Committee and CBFC chairperson Prasoon Joshi screened the intense drama last month before finalizing the edits. According to credible sources, the number of cuts has significantly increased from 85 to approximately 120. A key demand includes a complete rebranding of Khalra's character.

The film will now be titled Sutlej, following the recommendation of the CBFC, which symbolizes the river that connects Punjab. It has undergone an extensive 120 modifications, with the most notable change being the decision to no longer refer to the main character as Jaswant Singh. Honey and producer Ronnie Screwvala, who engaged in discussions with the CBFC, expressed their refusal to accept this alteration, as the film centers on Khalra's investigation into the Punjab insurgency from 1984 to 1994, including the disappearances and murders of Sikh youths. They argued that the Sikh community regards Khalra as a martyr, and omitting his name would be disrespectful to both his family and the community at large. Additionally, the film will no longer be categorized as a biopic, and the CBFC has indicated that it cannot assert that it is based on historical events, as this might influence the audience's emotions.

Legal and negotiation efforts by the producers

Producers have been actively pursuing legal and negotiation avenues regarding the film. Initially presented to the CBFC in 2022, the film features performances by Arjun Rampal and Suvinder Vicky. Since its debut, Trehan and Screwvala have been diligently working to secure its release. The producer contested the 22 cuts mandated by the Censor Board at that time in court.

Ultimately, the producers decided to seek an out-of-court settlement. The Revising Committee had previously requested modifications to a scene where the main character claims that over 25,000 individuals have died in Punjab, suggesting a reduction in that figure. Sources indicate that Honey and Ronnie defended the film, emphasizing that it is based solely on real-life testimonies and a ruling from the CBI court during the 1990s.

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