Panjab '95 Faces Release Delay Again: Diljit Dosanjh Film Caught In Censorship Tangle

Diljit Dosanjh’s much-awaited film Panjab ’95, which tells the story of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, has hit yet another roadblock. Fans were eagerly waiting for the movie to release on February 7, but the team announced on Monday that the film has been postponed indefinitely. This marks another setback for a project that has already faced delays for over three years.

Late on Monday night, Diljit posted a heartfelt message on his Instagram Stories. “We are sorry, and it pains us to inform you that the movie Panjab ’95 will not release on 7th Feb due to circumstances beyond our control,” he wrote. Along with the announcement, he shared a picture of Jaswant Singh Khalra and a quote from the activist that read, “I pray to the Guru, who identified with truth, to keep this light lit.” The post left fans disappointed and curious about what caused the delay.

Why the Delay?

The movie, directed by Honey Trehan, has faced a storm of challenges over the years. Reports say that the film went through 120 censor cuts before receiving clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Even after clearing the board, the movie faced legal and bureaucratic hurdles that kept it from reaching theaters.

A source close to the production team revealed that the sensitive nature of the film’s story is one of the main reasons for the delays. The film sheds light on the life and work of Jaswant Singh Khalra, who exposed mass human rights violations during the Punjab insurgency in the 1980s and 1990s. Such topics often face scrutiny in India due to their political implications.

Adding to the controversy, the film was also pulled from the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) lineup in 2023, reportedly due to “external pressures.” The repeated postponements have sparked conversations among fans and critics about the challenges faced by films tackling sensitive historical and political issues.

Fans’ Reactions

The delay has left fans heartbroken. Many took to social media to express their disappointment. “We’ve been waiting for this film for so long. Why is it being delayed again?” wrote one fan on Twitter. Another fan commented, “This is an important story that needs to be told. The world deserves to see it.”

Despite the setbacks, Diljit’s followers have shown immense support for the actor and the film. Many applauded him for being part of a project that sheds light on a crucial chapter of Indian history.

What’s Next?

The makers of Panjab ’95 have not announced a new release date yet. However, industry insiders believe that the film’s release might be pushed to later this year, depending on how the legal and regulatory issues unfold. Meanwhile, fans are hoping that the movie will see the light of day soon, as it promises to be a gripping and thought-provoking portrayal of a brave activist’s life.

While the wait continues, the delay has only added to the curiosity surrounding the film. As one fan aptly put it, “The more they try to suppress it, the more people will want to watch it.”

For now, all eyes are on the team of Panjab ’95 to see how they navigate this challenging situation and bring Jaswant Singh Khalra’s story to audiences across the globe.