South Central South Central 33 I The CBFC’s absurd demand of 127 cuts for Punjab 95, director Honey Trehan speaks
Jun 27, 2025
Honey Trehan, a veteran Bollywood director known for 'Punjab 95', discusses the absurd censorship demands targeting his film, centered on human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. Amandeep Sandhu, a Punjabi writer, and MG Radhakrishnan, a senior journalist, join the conversation about the clash between artistic expression and governmental control. They delve into the implications of censorship on storytelling, the film’s critical themes on human rights, and explore the political dynamics post the Congress-led UDF's electoral victory in Nilambur.
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Film Sheds Light on Punjab's Trauma
- Punjab 95 illuminates Punjab's painful history of extrajudicial killings and human rights violations.
- The movie serves as a catharsis, bringing long-suppressed anguish and injustice to light.
Systemic Failure Behind Violence
- The film exposes a systemic failure during Punjab's insurgency, rather than blaming individuals.
- Police brutality was incentivized by flawed policies like 'bullet for bullet,' creating pervasive violence.
Personal Roots Inspire Filmmaking
- Honey Trehan recounted how his childhood in Tarantaran shaped his connection to Jaswant Singh Khalra's story.
- During COVID quarantine, he decided to make the film after deep research and familial introductions.