Controversy Surrounds Diljit Dosanjh’s Film “Punjab ’95” as CBFC Battles Sikh Community Over Changes
A heated debate has erupted around the biopic “Punjab ’95,” starring Diljit Dosanjh, as it faces resistance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film, directed by Honey Trehan and produced by Ronnie Screwvala, has been in the crosshairs of the CBFC for over two years, with the board insisting on significant alterations to the content. However, these demands have caused uproar within the Sikh community and the family of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, on whose life the film is based.
According to reports from Mid-Day, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), a prominent Sikh organization, has come forward in support of the film amidst the CBFC’s demands. Following instructions from the Akal Takht, the highest temporal authority of Sikhs, the SGPC is forming a review board to assess the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer.
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Gurcharan Singh Grewal, General Secretary of the SGPC, voiced the community’s concerns regarding the CBFC’s requested changes. He highlighted the Khalra family’s fears that these modifications could dilute the film’s impact by removing references to events authenticated by legal and human rights bodies. Such alterations could potentially distort the historical accuracy and significance of the film.
The Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Raghbir Singh, has called for a panel of Sikh scholars to meticulously evaluate the film, ensuring its alignment with the sentiments and integrity of the Sikh community. The SGPC is committed to engaging Sikh scholars and analyzing the film comprehensively before its release. Their goal is to advocate for the film’s original version, preserving Jaswant Singh Khalra’s legacy.
The review committee established by the SGPC will consist of legal experts and academics well-versed in the politics of that era. This thorough evaluation is set to take place in the upcoming weeks.
Meanwhile, the filmmakers, Trehan and Screwvala, await a response from the CBFC regarding the film’s certification. Encouraged by the recent intervention of the Akal Takht and SGPC, they are contemplating the possibility of releasing the film without any cuts, contrary to the 22 alterations initially proposed by the CBFC. Should the Sikh bodies endorse the original version of the film, the filmmakers are prepared to advocate for its release in its unmodified state.
Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous 1990s in Amritsar, “Punjab ’95” follows the story of Jaswant Singh Khalra, an ordinary bank employee turned human rights activist. Leading a modest life with his librarian wife and children, Khalra’s pursuit of tranquility is disrupted when he investigates the disappearance of his friend’s mother, Bibi Gurpej. Uncovering a web of dangerous secrets, Khalra puts himself and his family in jeopardy.
Directed by Honey Trehan and produced by Ronnie Screwvala in collaboration with MacGuffin Pictures, “Punjab ’95” stars Diljit Dosanjh alongside Arjun Rampal and Surinder Vicky in pivotal roles.
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