Punjab 95: Diljit Dosanjh’s first look is out, and he will play Jaswant Singh Khalra

Summary: Diljit Dosanjh reveals his first look for his upcoming movie Punjab 95. 

Diljit Dosanjh revealed a sneak peek at his upcoming film after captivating audiences with his Dil-Luminati Tour. The actor debuted his first appearance in the forthcoming Punjab '95 movie. The life of activist Jaswant Singh Khalra served as the inspiration for the film.

At first glance, Diljit appears seated on the ground in a rough, unrefined manner. Clad in a plain kurta and turban, his face shows signs of injury with cuts and bruises. This portrayal suggests a storyline filled with deep emotions and intensity. 

The Chamkila actor teased fans with the post, “Much awaited film is about to be released in Feb. So we had to postpone the album. Stay tuned folks,” before revealing the first look.

Punjab '95, starring Diljit Dosanjh, was delayed in its release due to a censor clearance difficulty. Honey Trehan's biopic is based on the true life event of Punjabi activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. RSVP showed the censor board the movie they produced in December 2022. 

After multiple revisions and delays, RSVP rescheduled the movie's premiere for February 2025. However, the makers have not disclosed the film's distribution platform.

The censor board's main recommendation was to remove Khalra's name from the movie. And the bigger issue was the name of the movie “Punjab 95” which is about the year the activist Jaswant Singh Khalra went missing. Ten years after the activist disappeared in September 1995, six Punjabi police personnel were found guilty of his murder.

Producer Ronnie Screwvala and Honey, who spoke with the CBFC, stated they would not permit changes to the film centered on Khalra's inquiry into the Punjab insurgency from 1984 to 1994 and the subsequent disappearances and murders of Sikh youths. 

They argued that Khalra is seen as a martyr within the Sikh community, and it would be disrespectful to remove his name, thus showing insensitivity toward his family and the broader community. 

Moreover, the film will be reclassified and will not be labeled a biopic. The CBFC also indicated that the film cannot assert it is based on historical events, as doing so might influence viewers’ emotions.