Bollywood
Diljit Dosanjh’s film ‘Punjab 95’ faces 120 cuts from the censor board
In a recent report by an Indian newspaper, it has come to light that the Indian censor board has imposed extensive demands on the filmmakers of a movie centered around the life of the revered Sikh activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. Initially, the board requested the removal of 85 scenes; however, after a review by the revision committee, this number surged to 120 cuts.
Among the most controversial demands is the proposal to change the name of the film’s main character, Jaswant Singh Khalra, to “Sutlej,” named after one of Punjab’s rivers. This change has sparked strong opposition from the film’s producers, who argue that Khalra is a respected figure in the Sikh community, and altering his name would be a disservice to his legacy.
Additionally, the censor board has suggested changing the film’s title from “Punjab 95,” which signifies the year Khalra disappeared, citing it as inappropriate. Furthermore, the board has demanded the removal of a scene depicting the sacred scripture of the Sikh religion, Gurbani.
In a bid to further sanitize the content, the censor board has also requested the elimination of any references to Punjab and the district of Tarn Taran, labeling mentions of Canada and the UK as unsuitable for inclusion in the film.
The producers have condemned these demands as unnecessary and unjust, emphasizing that the film is based on true events and testimonies. They believe that such alterations could compromise the authenticity and truthfulness of the narrative.
Directed by Honey Trehan and produced by Ronnie Screwvala alongside MacGuffin Pictures, the film features prominent actors such as Arjun Rampal and Surinder Vicky in key roles. As the filmmakers navigate these censorship challenges, the film’s future remains uncertain, raising questions about artistic freedom and representation in cinema.
