In the past few months, multiple movies that have been released have sparked outrage and even protests in Punjab. Be it is based on historical facts or a work of fiction, protests in Punjab against movies are turning out to be a new normal. In the past few days, multiple protests and outrage have been witnessed in Punjab over movies like Akaal, Jaat, and Emergency. True Scoop brings you a list of movies that sparked protests in Punjab-
1) Emergency
Bollywood actress & Mandi MP from BJP, Kangana Ranaut's movie Emergency came under major scrutiny after it sparked massive protests in Punjab. The movie Emergency was based on the life of the later Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. However, as soon as it initially dropped the trailer, it sparked a major protest in Punjab. The trailer showcased the mention of Khalistan, Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale, Operation Bluestar, and even the assassination of Indira Gandhi. This had sparked a major political controversy.
It ended in Emergency, not getting a CBFC certificate. Later, Kangana Ranaut had to approach the Bombay High Court, and after some editing, the movie was released in theaters. Still, after its release in Punjab, the SGPC protested outside movie theaters and many of its shows were cancelled in the state.
2) Akaal
The much-awaited Punjabi movie Akaal was released in theaters on April 10, 2025. Akaal is a historical drama that marks the debut of Karan Johar's Dharma Production in Pollywood i.e., the Punjabi movie industry. Written & Directed by Gippy Grewal, Akaal revolves around a Sikh family who goes to war with a tyrant ruler named Changi Jahana. It depicts the valor of Sikhs against the intruders who tried to invade India. Despite this storyline, Akaal sparked outrage in Punjab with multiple Sikh outfits demanding immediate suspension of the movie's screening.
Akaal was accused of hurting religious sentiments. As per reports, a group of Sikh protestors, led by members of the Nihang Singh sect and the Sikh organization "Sikh Youth Power," staged a protest against the Punjabi film Akaal in Ludhiana. The protest took place at a cinema inside the Wave Mall, where the demonstrators demanded the immediate suspension of the film's screening.
Following this, Gippy Grewal posted a 10-minute video on his social media account. He has made it clear that nothing wrong has been shown in the film. The aim of the film was not to hurt people's sentiments. All necessary guidelines have been followed in the film. He urged everyone to watch the film first so that if there are any shortcomings, they can be rectified. According to him, there is nothing objectionable in the film, and it is the best film of his life so far.
3) Jaat
Bollywood actor Sunny Deol's much-awaited action thriller Jaat was released in theaters on April 10, 2025. Jaat sparked a controversy in Punjab with Christian outfits demanding a ban on the movie with immediate effect. The movie has sparked serious outrage among the Christian community over a scene that allegedly disrespects Christian religious sentiments. To be precise, the controversy centers around a sequence featuring actor Randeep Hooda standing inside a church, portrayed in what community leaders describe as an objectionable and offensive manner.
Since its release, members of the Christian group have voiced strong objections, particularly over a scene where Randeep Hooda is shown standing beneath a framed image of Jesus Christ placed above the sacred church pulpit, amid what they claim is an atmosphere of intimidation and hooliganism. According to community leaders, the depiction of violence and threatening behavior within the holy premises of a church has hurt the religious sentiments of Christians across the country.
4) Panjab '95
Although there have been no protests against Panjab '95 in Punjab, the movie remains banned. Punjabi singer & actor Diljit Dosanjh's much-awaited movie Panjab '95 has not been able to release in India as well as abroad. As per reports, there is a tussle between the filmmakers and CBFC going on over 120 cuts.. Directed by filmmaker Honey Trehan, Panjab '95 was supposed to be released for a global audience and not in India. In fact, Diljit Dosanjh had even shared the movie's teaser on his social media platforms.
Speaking to BBC Punjabi, Honey Trehan said, "Earlier, its name (Panjab '95) was Ghallughara, then it was changed to Panjab' 95. We were forced to do that. I also want to know why it is not getting released. The entire movie was made with the help of available legal documents. Every scene showcased in Panjab 95 has a supporting document. The documents are from the CBI, Session Court, Punjab & Haryana High Court, and Supreme Court."
"Whatever the verdict the Supreme Court gave, we have made a film on that. The research was done under a legal process. We spent a lot of time with Dr. Rajvinder Singh Bains (Senior Advocate) and collected all the legal documents. The film is based on reality. I don't even know why there is so much controversy around it. It has become a one-sided struggle because the actual issue is not coming out."