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Diljit Dosanjh’s much-awaited film 'Panjab 95' is back in the headlines, this time after the actor shared a powerful new poster on his Instagram stories. The poster features Dosanjh bound and hanging, a striking visual that quickly went viral across social media. The film, which tells the true story of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, has been mired in controversy due to ongoing delays and severe demands from India’s censor board.

Back in January, Dosanjh had already hinted that the film’s release was approaching, writing in Punjabi that “the truth would come out soon.” Despite the anticipation and emotional weight behind the project, Panjab 95 continues to face significant hurdles from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which originally demanded 127 cuts.

Director Honey Trehan Slams CBFC's Restrictions

Speaking to NDTV, director Honey Trehan voiced strong objections to the CBFC’s recommendations, revealing that he would “remove his name” from the project if the changes were enforced. “If the 127 cuts were made, only the trailer would remain,” Trehan said.

He also questioned the logic behind some of the demands, including the removal of the word "Punjab" from the film's title. “The story is set in Punjab. Why would any sensible person remove ‘Punjab’ from the title itself?” Trehan asked. “They are Punjabi cops wearing a turban, and they tell me to call them ‘Police’ and not ‘Punjab Police’. Where is the logic?”

Political Names and Historical Context Under Fire

Among other conditions, the CBFC reportedly asked for the removal of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s name. Trehan expressed disbelief at the inconsistency in censorship practices. “They also said don’t take Indira Gandhi’s name. Okay, so then what should I call her? There’s a film called Emergency that has been made on her whole life, and I can’t even have one person take her name in the film? Why such partiality?” he said.

Trehan emphasized that Panjab 95 is a historical account centered on Jaswant Singh Khalra’s human rights activism, and not a politically charged narrative. “I have waited and been patient for two and a half years. If you can’t express through your art, then where is the democracy? I have no words. This is how it is right now. Beyond a point, it’s in nobody’s control,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, Dosanjh Stays Busy on Border 2 Set

While Panjab 95 awaits clarity, Diljit Dosanjh is currently filming Border 2, where he stars alongside Varun Dhawan and Ahaan Shetty. Despite his busy schedule, the actor continues to build excitement for Panjab 95, keeping the spotlight on a film that seeks to give voice to a forgotten chapter in India’s human rights history.