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Diljit Dosanjh's Controversial Film Stalled by Censorship

Diljit Dosanjh, known for his penchant for controversy, is currently facing a significant hurdle in his career. His ambitious project, tentatively named Punjab 95, which explores the tumultuous period of militancy in Punjab during the 1990s and is inspired by the life of Sikh activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, has encountered repeated obstacles from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

This remarkable film offers a powerful and compelling portrayal of a time when fear permeated every household in Punjab, yet it continues to struggle against the CBFC's stringent requirements.

Recently, the CBFC demanded an unprecedented 127 cuts before granting a censor certificate. Additionally, they requested a change to the film's title, which was previously altered from Ghalughara, meaning Carnage. In March, there was an announcement for an international release of the uncut version, excluding India, but this decision was later rescinded for reasons that remain unclear.

Both Diljit Dosanjh and the film's talented director, Honey Trehan, are firmly against these cuts, and justifiably so. Punjab 95 is a crucial narrative on human rights violations that deserves to be seen by all Indians. It serves as a powerful reminder for those who believe that obeying the law guarantees safety in the world.

Director Honey Trehan stated, “Diljit and I regard Punjab 95 as the most significant film of our careers. We have invested our heart and soul into telling a story that needs to be heard. If we fail to acknowledge the mistakes of our past, we risk repeating them.”

Diljit has previously tackled the subject of Punjab militancy in two films: the impactful Punjab 1984 in 2014, directed by Anurag Singh, and the more subdued Jogi in 2022, directed by Ali Abbas Zafar. Neither of these films faced issues with the censor board. This marks the first instance where one of Diljit’s films has been stalled by censorship. He has made it clear that he would prefer to not release the film rather than accept the cuts.

In a prior discussion, Diljit emphasized the importance of merging entertainment with meaningful commentary. “I could easily continue making films like Jatt & Juliet and keep the money flowing. However, as an entertainer with a platform, I feel compelled to address issues that are often overlooked but remain significant.”