Chandigarh, January 21:
Fans of Diljit Dosanjh were left disappointed as the release of his much-anticipated film, Punjab ’95, has been postponed once again. Initially scheduled for February 7, the film’s debut will not happen as planned, primarily due to ongoing issues with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). This delay comes after more than a year of complications, with the film, based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, facing a turbulent journey to the big screen.
CBFC Censorship Issues: A Major Setback
The main reason for the film’s postponement lies in its ongoing struggles with the CBFC. The board initially requested 120 cuts, which significantly disrupted the release timeline. The film focuses on Khalra’s fight to uncover the extrajudicial killings of Sikh youth by the Punjab Police during the 1990s, a controversial and sensitive topic that has stirred strong reactions.
Diljit and Producer Express Disappointment
Diljit Dosanjh, along with producer Honey Trehan, shared their regret with fans through an Instagram post. The joint statement read, “We deeply regret to inform you that Punjab ’95 will not be released on February 7, due to factors beyond our control.” The news came as a blow to fans who had been eagerly waiting for the film’s release.
Just a week before the official announcement of the delay, Diljit had shared an exciting trailer, which quickly gathered over 300,000 views in less than 20 hours. However, the trailer was soon taken down from YouTube in India, and viewers encountered a message saying, “The uploader has not made this video available in your country,” adding fuel to the fire of controversy surrounding the film’s censorship issues.
Support from Khalra’s Widow for Uncensored Release
The film, which received approval from Jaswant Singh Khalra’s family, has also gained support from his widow, Paramjit Kaur Khalra. She has strongly opposed the requested cuts, stating that the film should be shown in its entirety to preserve the historical accuracy and emotional weight of her husband’s story. Khalra’s tragic abduction and murder by the Punjab Police in 1995 are central to the narrative of the film.
Fans Await New Release Date
As of now, fans will have to wait for further updates on when Punjab ’95 will finally reach theaters. Despite the ongoing challenges, the anticipation for the film remains high, as it is set to honor the legacy of Jaswant Singh Khalra. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for future announcements regarding the film’s release.
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