The film Punjab ’95, starring Diljit Dosanjh, has been in limbo for a long time, and now director Honey Trehan has made some shocking claims about the censorship process. In a recent interview, Trehan detailed the immense difficulties he faced from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), claiming the board tried to systematically remove the film’s core truth.
Based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, the film was expected to be a powerful story. However, according to Trehan, the censorship battle became so intense that he eventually told producer Ronnie Screwvala to remove both his and Diljit Dosanjh’s names from the film if the 127-cut version were to be released.
From 21 Cuts To 127 Cuts
Honey Trehan explained that the trouble started when the CBFC’s Examining Committee first saw the film. They initially demanded 21 modifications. Trehan said, “They told us to remove the reference to Jaswant Singh Khalra. But my film is about Jaswant Singh Khalra! My producer and I felt that it was not fair.”
After challenging this in court, Trehan claims pressure from the I&B ministry forced them to withdraw the case and go back to the CBFC’s Revising Committee. There, the situation worsened significantly. The number of cuts increased first to 45, then 65, then 85, and finally reached a total of 127 cuts. Trehan recounted a meeting where a CBFC official allegedly told him, “Film ka asar kam nahin ho raha hai! Itni zor se sach kaun bolta hai?” (The film’s impact isn’t lessening! Who speaks the truth so loudly?).
Shocking Demands To Remove Key Words
The director listed some of the specific cuts demanded by the CBFC, which targeted the very essence of the film’s story. Trehan claimed they were asked to remove words like ‘desh’ (country), ‘system’, and ‘extra-judicial killings’. He also stated they were instructed to remove any mention of specific locations like Amritsar and Taran Tarn.
Furthermore, Trehan revealed, “They asked me to remove mention of Indira Gandhi! I have no idea what is objectionable in this line.” He added that the board also demanded the removal of Gurbani (Sikh religious hymns) and even asked that ‘Punjab Police’ be referred to simply as ‘Police’. According to Trehan, a CBFC official even admitted he was afraid to watch the original uncut version in case he liked it.
Director Questions Different Rules For Different Films
Honey Trehan concluded by questioning what he sees as double standards in censorship. He pointed out that several other films based on sensitive political events, such as The Kashmir Files, The Kerala Story, and Article 370, were released without issues.
He argued, “How come there was no law and order during the release of these films? Sirf iss film mein kaise ho jaayegi?” (How will it happen only for this film?). He questioned why his film, based on true events, was being treated differently and effectively blocked from release.
About Punjab ’95
Punjab ’95 is an upcoming biographical drama directed by Honey Trehan and produced by Ronnie Screwvala. The film stars Diljit Dosanjh in the role of Jaswant Singh Khalra, a human rights activist who investigated the disappearance of thousands of people during the period of insurgency in Punjab.
Stay tuned with us for latest news, Hindi box office news, Hollywood news, OTT news, latest Bollywood news, and latest box office news.
