Entertainment

Punjab 95 Ban: Why All Political Parties Fear This Film

The suppression of Diljit Dosanjh’s fact-based film reveals a rare unity between BJP and Congress—when the truth hits too close to home.

New Delhi, June 28: Something’s broken. You can feel it. It’s not just the noise around Diljit Dosanjh, or the controversy over who starred in Sardaar Ji 3. It’s deeper than that. It’s about what we’re allowed to see, who gets to tell the truth, and why every political party—despite all their differences—seems eerily united when it comes to silencing inconvenient history.

Let’s get something out of the way first. Diljit isn’t new to this country’s cultural landscape. He’s not some outsider. The man’s worn Indian colours on international stages, performed at global festivals with “India” stitched across his back, and made no secret of where his heart lies. Yet, somehow, a few keyboard warriors and political proxies have decided to question his patriotism. Why? Because Pakistani actors were cast in a film he starred in. Not cast by him, mind you—by the producers. Still, he’s the one being dragged through the mud.

But forget all that for a second. Let’s shift the spotlight to Punjab 95—a film that doesn’t have any Pakistani cast, no cross-border bait, and no fictional fluff. Just hard truths. And maybe that’s exactly why it’s being blocked.

This Isn’t About Films Anymore

Punjab 95 tells the story of Jaswant Singh Khalra, a man who uncovered mass disappearances in Punjab during the ’90s—hundreds, maybe thousands, of bodies cremated by police without names or records. Khalra paid with his life. The story is brutal. Real. And—clearly—too dangerous for today’s gatekeepers of “national sentiment.”

The CBFC asked for nearly 130 cuts. They wanted names removed, incidents scrubbed out, entire scenes edited down until the truth was no longer recognizable. That’s not editing—that’s erasure.

Director Honey Trehan refused to bow. Diljit backed him. No compromise. No sugarcoating. But you know what happened next. The film was yanked. Not once—multiple times. Scheduled to release globally this year, it was quietly postponed again. The official line? “Circumstances beyond our control.”

We’re supposed to believe that.

When Both Sides Go Quiet, That’s Your Answer

Now here’s where it gets real uncomfortable. The film directly exposes atrocities committed under Congress rule. Police impunity, political silence, families torn apart—all backed by documented evidence. So where is the outrage from today’s ruling party? Where are the BJP spokespersons who usually jump at the chance to slam Congress for its past?

Nowhere.

Because when the truth exposes the machinery of state violence—no matter whose watch it happened on—politicians suddenly grow quiet. They fall back into the same playbook: protect the institution, even if it means betraying justice.

That’s when you realise something. It’s not about BJP versus Congress. That’s just the show. When push comes to shove, they all protect the same system. The one that keeps real accountability out of reach.

Stop Taking the Bait. Start Asking Questions.

We, the public, fall into this trap too easily. We let trending hashtags shape our opinions. We attack actors, defend censors, and debate social media posts while the real story slips through.

Why is a film based on factual records being blocked?

Why are only certain types of history allowed to be told?

And why, when an artist tries to speak through his work, is he the one put on trial?

If you care about the country, ask better questions. Don’t just believe what a politician—or a political YouTuber—is shouting into a mic. Research it. Read court documents, old reports, interviews from the families who lost everything in Punjab. Watch the international response to Punjab 95—if you can find it.

You’ll see what they’re afraid of.

If They’re All Silent, Maybe They’re All Complicit

What’s clear now is that all political parties—every last one of them—know how to weaponise memory. They use history like a tool: to build narratives, win votes, distract from failure. But the second someone brings up a version of history that makes all of them look bad, they close ranks.

This isn’t some conspiracy theory. It’s visible, if you’re willing to look.

Punjab 95 isn’t just a film. It’s a test. And right now, India’s political class is failing.

No More Silence Dressed As Patriotism

What’s more patriotic: hiding the truth, or facing it head-on? What honors the country more: whitewashing the past, or learning from it?

The answers aren’t complicated. But they are uncomfortable. And maybe that’s why we keep turning our anger toward the wrong people—toward artists, not policymakers. Toward films, not the real events behind them.

So, before you share that next tweet calling someone “anti-national,” maybe ask: Who benefits from your outrage? And what are they distracting you from?

Because the truth is still out there. It’s just that no one in power seems to want you to see it.


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Author Profile
Ratnakar Mavilach
Chief Editor at  | Web

Ratnakar Mavilach is a seasoned journalist and digital media strategist with 10+ years of experience in politics, geopolitics, and current affairs. Founder of ventures like Hinglishgram and Debonair Magazine’s revival, he leads Hindustan Herald with sharp editorial vision, domain depth, and a relentless focus on impactful storytelling.

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