The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has made 120 censor cuts in the movie titled Punjab 95. This movie stars Popular actor and singer Diljit Dosanjh in the role of the protagonist. The Censor board has also asked the makers to change the title and lead character's name in the movie. Initially, in July, the makers were asked to make 85 cuts in the movie but later on the number of cuts increased to 120.
Punjab 95 is based on the life of prominent human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. This movie is directed by Bhaumikkumar Prakashbhai Prajapati, Honey Trehan and Vishal Srivastava. It stars Diljit Dosanjh, Arjun Rampal and Suvinder Vicky.
What all changes are required in Punjab 95?
According to the sources quoted by newswires, a source has revealed about the remarks made by the censor board. He said, “As per the CBFC’s suggestion, the film will now be called Sutlej, denoting the river that unites Punjab. There is a total of almost 120 changes in the movie. The biggest change is to not call the protagonist, Jaswant Singh anymore.”
Honey and producer Ronnie Screwvala told CBFC that they won’t allow this change in a film that highlights Khalra’s role in investigating the disappearance and killing of Sikh youths during the Punjab insurgency. Their point of argument was removing Khalra’s name will be disrespectful not just to him and his family, but to the entire community. The CBFC has also stated that the movie cannot claim to be based on real-life incidents as they felt it would lead to ‘swaying of sentiments’,” he further added.
The scenes that are asked to remove includes a scene featuring a Gurbani, scenes that have any mention of Punjab and the district of Tarn Taran, scenes that features national flag, scenes that has reference to Canada or the UK. Also, the board has asked to change the main character’s name Jaswant Singh Khalra to Sutlej.
The source informed, “In a scene, there is a Gurbani that has been asked to be removed. They have also instructed that any mention of Punjab and the district of Tarn Taran be dropped. Moreover, the display of the national flag and any reference to Canada or the UK has to be dropped altogether. If the makers agree to these changes, they will be handed the certificate before the week ends.”