Jasveer Singh
The highly anticipated film Panjab 95’s , which stars popular actor and singer Diljit Dosanjh, has been delayed again, much to the disappointment of his fans. Originally set for release earlier, the film has faced numerous setbacks, mostly due to controversies revolving around its depiction of real-life events and sensitive political issues. While the film’s potential to captivate audiences is undeniable, its journey toward the big screen has been far from smooth.
The film Panjab 95’s , directed by Honey Trehan and produced by the renowned filmmaker, takes inspiration from a critical chapter in Punjab’s modern history—the turbulent 1990s. It tells the story of the human rights violations during this period, particularly focusing on the life and activism of Jaswant Singh Khalra. Khalra, a well-known Sikh rights activist, fought for justice for those who went missing or were victims of extrajudicial killings carried out by the Indian government during the 1980s and 90s. His efforts to expose the truth led to his own disappearance in 1995, making his story one of the most tragic and controversial in modern-day Indian history.
However, Panjab 95’s portrayal of such a sensitive period has attracted significant controversy, primarily because of how it depicts figures like Khalra and the historical events surrounding his activism. A key concern is the film’s representation of these real-life figures and whether it stays true to the events in a way that respects both the historical record and the emotional weight carried by those affected.
The film’s Panjab 95’s portrayal of Jaswant Singh Khalra has been a particularly hot-button issue. Khalra’s quest to bring attention to the alleged disappearances and killings of Sikhs by the police in the 1980s and 90s was met with fierce resistance. For many, his legacy remains one of courage and sacrifice, and any distortion of his story risks inflaming old wounds. Some groups argue that Panjab 95 might not be presenting Khalra’s life and his struggle in a respectful or historically accurate manner, potentially turning the emotional and political realities of the events into entertainment.
This fear of historical misrepresentation is one of the reasons behind the delays in the film’s release. The producers and filmmakers have been under immense pressure to ensure that the content is approved by all parties involved, particularly considering the highly charged political nature of the subject matter. The film is essentially walking a fine line between presenting a compelling narrative and avoiding potential political ramifications that could arise from any perceived inaccuracies or biased portrayals.
Another layer to the controversy surrounding Panjab 95’s is the ongoing debate about artistic freedom versus historical responsibility. While filmmakers have long been using cinema as a platform to tell stories based on real events, this often raises the question of how much creative license should be taken when depicting sensitive historical narratives. Filmmakers like Honey Trehan and others involved with Panjab 95 face the delicate task of ensuring that their artistic vision does not undermine the gravity of the events they are trying to represent. Balancing this with the need to tell an engaging and marketable story further complicates the matter.
Apart from the portrayal of historical figures, the film has faced additional setbacks due to legal and censorship challenges. India has a long history of films facing censorship or delays when they tackle politically sensitive topics, especially those that involve issues of national security, religious sentiments, or ethnic tensions. As Panjab 95’s addresses such fraught subjects, the film’s content has been subjected to multiple rounds of scrutiny and revision to satisfy censors and stakeholders, including political groups and advocacy organizations that may feel threatened by its depiction of real-world events.
Furthermore, the delay can be partially attributed to the film’s production team, which has struggled with ensuring that all necessary legal clearances are in place before the film’s release. With such a complex subject matter, filmmakers must ensure that every aspect of the film meets legal requirements and doesn’t breach any laws relating to defamation, incitement, or public unrest. These bureaucratic hurdles, in combination with the film’s controversial subject matter, have led to repeated postponements.
Diljit Dosanjh’s involvement in Panjab 95’s has only added to the film’s intrigue. Known for his outspoken views on social issues, especially related to Sikh identity and politics, Diljit is not a stranger to controversy himself. His fanbase, which spans across India, Canada, and the UK, eagerly anticipates his role in this intense drama. However, the delays have certainly left fans frustrated, as they eagerly await his portrayal of a pivotal character in such a significant story.
Despite the ongoing controversies, Panjab 95’s remains one of the most talked-about films of 2025. It has generated immense buzz due to its star power, the importance of the issues it addresses, and its connection to the broader political landscape in India. The film’s postponement has only intensified interest, with many hoping that it will eventually find a way to navigate the complexities it faces and bring to the screen a timely, poignant portrayal of one of the most challenging periods in modern Indian history.
