Diljit Dosanjh’s highly anticipated film Punjab 95, based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, is set to release internationally on February 7, 2025. Directed by Honey Trehan and produced by Ronnie Screwvala’s RSVP Movies, the film will be shown globally without any cuts, though it will not be available for release in India, at least for now.
The movie faced delays after encountering issues with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film stars Diljit Dosanjh in the role of Jaswant Singh Khalra, a man who became a symbol of courage and justice for his investigation into human rights violations during Punjab’s turbulent militancy period. The film highlights his relentless pursuit of justice, particularly his probe into the mass cremation of unidentified bodies in the state between 1984 and 1994.
The trailer released on Friday has already generated excitement, with Dosanjh calling the release “Full Movie, No Cuts” under the hashtag #ChallengetheDarkness. Punjab 95 was initially set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2023 but was removed from the lineup without explanation. Khalra’s life story remains powerful, as he mysteriously disappeared in 1995, and years later, four police officers were arrested for his alleged abduction and murder. The film sheds light on his heroic efforts, providing an important look into the human rights struggles of the time.