Cinema has always been a reflection of society. It brings difficult truths to light and often challenges viewers to question what they know. Because of this, some films carry a deeper weight than others, especially when they confront painful histories or hidden injustices.
One such film is Honey Trehan’s Punjab ’95. It tells the true story of Jaswant Singh Khalra, a Sikh human rights activist who exposed state-backed abuses in Punjab during the 1990s. His courage in revealing mass killings of Sikhs came at great personal risk.
The film captures his fight for justice on behalf of affected families and honours his legacy as a fearless defender of human rights. Yet, its release has faced major hurdles. The Indian Censor Board demanded 120 cuts and objected to its original title, Ghalughara.
Political pressure over its portrayal of Punjab’s militancy era even forced its removal from the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival. In January 2025, the trailer crossed 300,000 views before being taken down from YouTube in India, raising new concerns about censorship.
These controversies have delayed the film’s release indefinitely. Still, many filmmakers have spoken out in its support. They believe standing by such projects is essential to ensure that stories of bravery and truth are not silenced, but remembered through cinema.
It is only through the combined strength of artists and audiences that films like Punjab ’95 can reach the screen. Such works hold deep social relevance, reminding us of histories we might not otherwise confront, and of voices that must never be forgotten.
