Diljit Dosanjh Unveils Gripping First Look of Punjab ’95: A Tribute to Jaswant Singh Khalra

After captivating fans with his Dil-Luminati Tour, Diljit Dosanjh has now offered a glimpse of his upcoming film, Punjab ’95.

This biographical drama centers on the life of Jaswant Singh Khalra, a human rights activist whose disappearance in 1995 exposed grave human rights violations.

In his first look, Diljit sits on the floor, portraying a raw and rugged character. Clad in a simple kurta and turban, his bloodied and bruised face reflects a narrative of resilience and hardship.

The intense imagery hints at an emotionally charged storyline that delves into Khalra’s fight for justice.

Accompanying the post, Diljit captioned it, “I Challenge the Darkness,” further building anticipation. Earlier, the actor teased fans with a post stating, “Much awaited film is about to be released in Feb. So we had to postpone the album. Stay tuned folks (sic).”

Challenges with Censorship

The journey of Punjab ’95 to the big screen has not been without obstacles. The film, directed by Honey Trehan and produced by Ronnie Screwvala, encountered significant challenges from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

The board suggested between 85 to 120 cuts, with the most contentious demand being the removal of Jaswant Singh Khalra’s name and altering the film’s title, Punjab ’95.

As reported by Mid-Day, the CBFC recommended renaming the film to “Sutlej” to symbolize the river uniting Punjab.

Critics and Khalra’s family opposed these changes, arguing that removing his name would undermine the biopic’s authenticity and cultural importance.

Khalra’s wife, Paramjit Kaur Khalra, condemned the suggested cuts, asserting that the film, created with the family’s consent, should remain true to its portrayal of the activist’s life and struggles.

The film captures a critical period in Punjab’s history when Khalra exposed the Punjab Police’s extrajudicial killings during the insurgency in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Khalra was kidnapped in 1995 and later murdered, with six Punjab police officials eventually convicted for his death.

First Look Sparks Anticipation

Diljit recently shared several pictures from the film on his Instagram, showcasing his powerful portrayal of Khalra.

The images highlight his rugged appearance and evoke a sense of pain and defiance. Fans have expressed excitement over his intense look and the film’s narrative.

Scheduled for release in February 2025, Punjab ’95 promises to deliver a compelling story of resilience, justice, and human rights advocacy.

However, the controversy surrounding the film’s censorship has reignited debates on artistic freedom and the portrayal of historical figures.

Khalra Family’s Support

Paramjit Kaur Khalra emphasized that the film was made with her family’s full support. “Over four years ago, our family read the script and granted permission to Honey Trehan to make the movie with Diljit portraying Khalra,” she said.

The family viewed the film in 2022 and expressed satisfaction with its depiction of Jaswant Singh Khalra’s struggle.

The CBFC’s demand to strip the film of Khalra’s name has been met with widespread criticism.

The family and filmmakers argue that such changes would dilute the significance of Khalra’s contributions and misrepresent his legacy. “Removing his name would not only be disrespectful to his memory but also to the community he fought for,” a source stated.

Balancing Art and History

The film’s narrative highlights Khalra’s pivotal role in uncovering the truth about extrajudicial killings and mass cremations in Punjab during a turbulent period.

Despite the CBFC’s concerns about “swaying sentiments,” supporters of the film argue that its authenticity is crucial for preserving history and honoring Khalra’s bravery.

The controversy also brings attention to the ongoing tension between creative expression and regulatory oversight in Indian cinema.

As Punjab ’95 gears up for release, it ignites discussions about the importance of preserving the stories of individuals who fought for justice.