Punjab ’95' delayed again: Censorship and political pressures stall release of Jaswant Singh Khalra biopic

Diljit Dosanjh’s film 'Punjab ’95,' based on human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, has been postponed again, disappointing fans and sparking debates about censorship in Indian cinema. Originally set to release on February 7, 2025, the film highlights Khalra’s fight against human rights violations during Punjab’s militancy era. His investigations exposed over 25,000 unlawful killings by the Punjab Police, leading to his abduction and murder in 1995. Directed by Honey Trehan and produced by Ronnie Screwvala, the film sheds light on this dark chapter of history but continues to face delays due to censorship challenges.
The biopic Punjab ’95 tells the story of Jaswant Singh Khalra, a human rights activist who exposed the extrajudicial killings and mass cremations of thousands of Sikh youths carried out by the Punjab Police during the 1980s and 1990s. Over 25,000 unlawful killings and secret cremations were uncovered through his investigations, which led to him becoming a target of the authorities. In 1995, Khalra was abducted and killed, and four police officers were later convicted for his murder. The film seeks to highlight this dark chapter in Punjab’s history by honestly portraying Khalra’s life and legacy.
The release of Punjab ’95 has been delayed again due to several challenges. The CBFC demanded 120 cuts and objected to its original title, Ghalughara, forcing it to be renamed. Political pressures over its portrayal of Punjab’s militancy era led to its removal from the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival. Additionally, the trailer, released in January 2025, was taken down from YouTube in India after gaining over 300,000 views, sparking censorship concerns. These issues have caused repeated delays, leaving the film’s release uncertain.
Diljit Dosanjh shared his disappointment over the delay, saying, “We are sorry, and it pains us to inform you that 'Punjab ’95' will not be released on 7th February due to circumstances beyond our control.” Director Honey Trehan and producer Ronnie Screwvala also expressed similar sentiments, stressing their commitment to maintaining the film’s integrity.