Sikh Genocide film forced to have 85 cuts by Indian censor board

UPDATE (24.09.24): Reports by Indian entertainment media have revealed that the CBFC has now ordered 120 cuts to the film, as well as ordering a name change of both the film’s title, its main character and references to Punjab (including parts of Punjab such as the Tarn Taran district), Canada, the UK and, as well as removing dialogue containing GurBani (Guru’s word, Sikh scripture). The cuts also allegedly include depictions of the Tiranga (Indian national flag).

An soon-to-be-released film on India’s Sikh Genocide has been forced to make 85 cuts by the country’s Central Board of Film Certification, and have still not approved its release.

The news leaked this week about “Punjab ’95” starring global Punjabi star Diljit Dosanjh follows-up a previous request for 21 cuts in the film made last year, which the filmmakers tried to fight against in court in a clearly unsuccessful fight against the censorship.

The film relays the story of revered Sikh Shaheed (martyr) Jaswant Singh Khalra, who was killed by Indian police for exposing the magnitude of the “fake encounter” disappearances of Sikhs, a narrative used to hide the police’s mass slaughter of Sikh men, women and children.

Despite the filmmakers’ agreement to these extensive cuts, sources indicate that the CBFC remains hesitant to grant a release certificate. Acoording to Indian media, an insider revealed, “The filmmakers have complied with the 85 cuts, but the CBFC is still concerned about the film’s sensitive subject matter and its appropriateness for release in the current climate. A final decision is still pending.”

This is not the first clash between Punjab ’95 and the CBFC. Previously titled Ghallughara (meaning genocide/holocaust) the film underwent a lengthy certification process in December 2022, with the board initially
demanding 21 cuts and a title change. This led to a legal challenge in the Bombay High Court by Ronnie Screwvala’s production house, resulting in the film’s withdrawal from the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival.

The current situation is further complicated by the film’s portrayal of Khalra’s death, which has reportedly led to the producers being advised to consider the project a loss. “The CBFC is concerned about the film’s potentially inflammatory content,” a source noted. “The depiction of Khalra’s custodial death and the negative portrayal of the police might provoke
unrest. The film may require a significant overhaul before it can be considered for release.”

The film’s central figure Shaheed Khalra “disappeared” in 1995 just weeks after a historic speech in Canadian parliament about the Sikh genocide. In 2005, six Punjab police officers were convicted and sentenced to seven years in prison for kidnapping and murdering Khalra.

Directed by Honey Trehan and produced by Ronnie Screwvala in collaboration with MacGuffin Pictures, the film also features Arjun Rampal and Surinder Vicky in key roles.

Despite the numerous cuts and ongoing uncertainty, a cast member remains optimistic. “The movie might be heavily edited, but the team is determined to release it,” the actor said, “We’re fighting for its very existence“.

The team’s next steps remain unclear.

India has a history of banning films and wider media which may expose human rights abuses in the nation and/or challenge the nationalist rhetoric of India’s regime.