Diljit Dosanjh's Film 'Punjab 95' Removed from Toronto Film Festival Lineup?

CHANDIGARH: Considerable buzz was surrounding the celebrated singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh's movie,  'Punjab 95' of getting premiered at the lineup of the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival 2023. The film centers around the life of human rights activist Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra. As per the media reports, Highly Anticipated Punjabi film 'Punjab 95,' has been unexpectedly removed from the lineup of the Toronto International Film Festival 2023. This news comes as a shock to both fans and the film industry. This has not been confirmed yet. 

The Decision to remove the film from the festival's roster has sparked widespread discussion and speculation. Initial reports from a US-based news outlet, Variety, indicate that there is currently no mention of 'Punjab 95' on the festival's official website. This development has left many wondering about the reasons behind this sudden change, as the movie had generated significant interest leading up to its anticipated premiere at the renowned event.

Directed by Honey Trehan, the film also boasts an impressive cast with Arjun Rampal and Suvinder Vicky in leading roles. It is noteworthy that the film's initial title was 'Ghallughara,' indicating the sensitive subject matter it addresses. However, the process of obtaining certification for the film from the Censor Board was protracted, lasting over six months, and resulted in 21 cuts being made before receiving an 'A' certificate.

The film's makers faced challenges during this certification journey, ultimately leading them to seek legal intervention. 'Punjab 95' delves into the remarkable work of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who played a pivotal role in exposing the abduction, murder, and cremation of thousands of unidentified individuals by the police. Khalra's relentless efforts led to the identification of over 25,000 unclaimed bodies, shining a light on a tragic chapter of Punjab's history.