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Punjab 95

In this post, we discuss the continued delays of Punjab ’95, an important biographical drama starring Diljit Dosanjh.

Directed by Honey Trehan and produced by Ronnie Screwvala’s RSVP Movies, the film portrays a significant period in Punjab’s history through the story of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra.

The Story Behind The Film

Jaswant Singh Khalra was a dedicated activist who, during the 1980s and 1990s, a time of insurgency and counter-insurgency in Punjab, exposed evidence of widespread extrajudicial killings and illegal cremations.

Starting as a bank employee, Khalra carefully compiled records revealing thousands of unidentified cremations, pointing to major human rights abuses.

His activism resulted in his abduction and murder in 1995.

Later, several Punjab Police officers were convicted by courts, with sentences upheld by the Punjab and Haryana High Court and the Supreme Court, leading to life imprisonment.

Punjab ’95 draws directly from verified court documents, testimonies, and historical records, featuring Diljit Dosanjh in a decisive, transformative role as Khalra.

The Certification Challenges

The film was submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in December 2022.

It has since encountered significant hurdles, with reports of demands for extensive modifications, up to 127 cuts in some instances.

Suggested changes include removing Khalra’s name, generalizing references to “Punjab Police,” and altering scenes with the Indian flag or Sikh religious elements.

Director Honey Trehan has noted that CBFC members recognized the story’s factual accuracy but expressed reservations about its direct presentation.

In late 2025, figures like Justice Ranjit Singh advocated for an uncut release, emphasizing the film’s historical importance.

Diljit Dosanjh has remained committed, investing considerable effort.

In early 2026, he expressed his frustration with the delays while maintaining hope for an eventual release.

Planned screenings, including a global rollout originally set for early 2025, were postponed multiple times due to unresolved certification issues.

As of February 2026, Punjab ’95 has not received CBFC clearance for theatrical release in India, and no international release has been confirmed.

Timeline

Year/Month	Developments
1995	Jaswant Singh Khalra abducted and murdered; police officers later convicted.
December 2022	Film submitted to CBFC.
2023–2024	Initial and escalating modification requests; legal proceedings.
Early 2025	Planned global release (February 7) postponed.
Mid–Late 2025	Reports of up to 127 cuts; advocacy for uncut release.
Early 2026	Diljit Dosanjh expresses frustration amid ongoing delays.
February 2026	No certification or release date announced; film remains pending.

Broader Implications

These delays spark meaningful conversations about artistic freedom and censorship in Indian cinema.

Films rooted in documented history and court records should ideally preserve their integrity.

The CBFC’s mandate includes certifying content while safeguarding expression, but high-profile cases like this highlight challenges in handling sensitive historical narratives.

Fact

Khalra’s investigations in select districts uncovered evidence of over 2,000 illegal cremations, indicating a potentially much larger issue across Punjab. His efforts brought global awareness to these human rights concerns.

Films such as Punjab ’95 play a vital role in encouraging reflection on history, justice, and resilience.

They honor those who challenged injustice and foster important national discussions.

At THOUSIF Inc. – INDIA, we strive to deliver accessible and thoughtful content on relevant topics.

What are your views on the certification issues facing films like this?

We welcome your comments below.