“I Have No Words”: Honey Trehan Frustrated as Punjab ’95 Remains Stalled by CBFC

Filmmaker Honey Trehan has expressed deep disappointment over the prolonged delay in the certification of his film Punjab ’95, which stars Diljit Dosanjh as the slain human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. The film has remained stuck with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) since December 2022, with no clear resolution in sight.

CBFC Demands 127 Cuts

Trehan revealed that the CBFC had asked for a staggering 127 cuts, which he believes would destroy the essence of the film. “After 127 cuts, only the trailer will be left. I don’t agree with those 127 cuts. It’s not my film then, it’s CBFC’s film,” he said.

He added that despite submitting the required documentation and engaging with the board, there has been no further communication regarding the status of the certification.

Objections to Key Elements

Among the changes demanded by the CBFC were:

• Removing the word “Punjab” from the film’s title

• Replacing “Punjab Police” with a generic term like “Police”

• Omitting historical references, including names of political leaders such as former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi

Trehan argued that these edits were not about tone or language, but about censoring the film’s identity and historical context. He criticized the misuse of newly granted powers to the CBFC, saying, “Earlier, speaking the truth used to be appreciated. Now, it has become a blame game.”

Refusal to Compromise Integrity

Both Honey Trehan and lead actor Diljit Dosanjh reportedly refused to have their names associated with a heavily edited version of the film. Trehan said, “If I do not stand by myself, I have no right to make a movie on such a matter. If I can’t protect the voice of a man like Jaswant Singh Khalra, I can’t even stand by that person. Then what’s the point?”

He also described the CBFC’s handling of the situation as emotionally exhausting and bureaucratically opaque, likening the process to a Kafkaesque ordeal.

A Film About Truth and Accountability

Punjab ’95 is based on the real-life story of Jaswant Singh Khalra, who exposed mass cremations and custodial deaths during the Punjab insurgency of the 1990s. He was later abducted and murdered, and several police officers were convicted in the case.

The film seeks to shed light on one of the most sensitive chapters in recent Indian history. Trehan emphasized that he made the film not for awards, but to honor the legacy of a man who gave his life for truth and justice.

Broader Implications

The delay of Punjab ’95 underscores ongoing concerns about creative freedom and censorship in Indian cinema. The demands made by the CBFC reflect a growing trend where films with political or historical themes face significant hurdles in the certification process.

As the film continues to remain unreleased more than two and a half years after its completion, questions are being raised not just about the future of Punjab ’95, but also about the space for meaningful storytelling in the country.

Honey Trehan’s refusal to compromise and his vocal stand against forced censorship highlight the struggle between truth-based storytelling and regulatory restrictions. As audiences wait, Punjab ’95 has become more than a film—it is now a symbol of resistance against artistic suppression.