CBFC demands 120 cuts, name change for Diljit's 'Punjab '95'
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has reportedly recommended nearly 120 changes to Honey Trehan's upcoming film, Punjab '95, a biopic on human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. This comes after an initial suggestion of 85 edits was made in July. The board has also proposed a complete character name change for the protagonist played by Diljit Dosanjh and a title alteration from Punjab '95 to Sutlej.
'Most pivotal change is to not call the protagonist Jaswant...'
A source from the film's team revealed to Mid-Day, "Per the CBFC's suggestion, the film will now be called Sutlej, denoting the river that unites Punjab. There are a total of almost 120 changes! The most pivotal change is to not call the protagonist Jaswant Singh anymore." However, Trehan and producer Ronnie Screwvala have reportedly opposed this alteration as they believe it would disrespect Khalra and his community.
CBFC's concerns over 'swaying of sentiments'
The CBFC has expressed concerns that the film could lead to a "swaying of sentiments" if it claims to be based on real-life incidents. The board has also suggested removing a Gurbani scene, any mention of Punjab or the district of Tarn Taran, display of the national flag, and references to Canada or the UK. If these changes are implemented, the certification process could be completed by this week's end.
'Punjab '95' has faced certification challenges since 2022
The film, also featuring Arjun Rampal and Suvinder Vicky, was first screened for the CBFC in 2022. Since then, Screwvala and Trehan have been striving to get it certified. This led to a court case when Screwvala appealed against the Censor Board's initial demand for 22 cuts. However, the makers eventually decided to pursue an out-of-court settlement. A final meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, where Trehan and Screwvala will appeal against some of the CBFC's suggested modifications.
Meanwhile, here's what 'Punjab '95' is all about
Punjab '95 is a biopic of Khalra, a human rights activist hailing from Punjab, who vanished in 1995 under mysterious circumstances. A decade after his disappearance, six members of the Punjab Police were reportedly found guilty and convicted of his murder. Khalra was reportedly investigating the mass cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab—following the assassination of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984.
