CBFC being used as backdoor to control freedom of expression: Honey Trehan

Originally published on July 10, 2025 In this episode of Frontline Conversations, filmmaker Honey Trehan speaks about his upcoming biographical film "Punjab '95", which has run into a wall of censorship. The film, based on the life and legacy of Sikh human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, revisits a dark, documented chapter of India’s recent history—mass disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and the abuse of power during the Punjab insurgency. Although "Punjab '95" is based on court records and official documents, the Censor Board has stalled its release by demanding over 120 cuts, including the removal of factual references to Punjab, specific dates, cremation records, and details of Khalra’s torture and abduction. Trehan opens up about the politically charged certification process, which he describes as a backdoor attempt to rewrite historical memory and suppress free expression. Context: Trehan reflects on why the current political and cultural climate makes it even more important to document resistance figures like Jaswant Singh Khalra. He argues that the real threat to law and order is not the film but the silencing of history. "Punjab '95" is not just about state violence in the 1990s—it is about the battle for democratic freedoms today. Highlights: -Why "Punjab '95" is facing censorship despite being based on court-verified facts -How Honey Trehan compares CBFC’s overreach to the very abuse of power the film critiques -The story of Jaswant Singh Khalra and the estimated 25,000 extrajudicial killings in Punjab -The legal hurdles, festival withdrawals, and negotiations around the film's certification -Why Trehan believes Khalra’s story is as important as that of Bhagat Singh or Sardar Udham -What the film’s censorship reveals about freedom of expression in India today Perfect for: -Viewers following debates on censorship, civil liberties, and political cinema in India -Students of history, journalism, law, and human rights -Filmmakers and artists facing state surveillance or suppression -Citizens concerned about freedom of speech and constitutional rights -Anyone interested in Punjab’s history and resistance movements Credits: Interview by Ashutosh Sharma Produced by Kavya Pradeep M. Edited by Razal Pareed Subscribe to Frontline: https://frontline.thehindu.com/online... Follow us on: Facebook - / frontlineindia Twitter - / frontline_india Instagram - / frontline.magazine LinkedIn - / frontline-magazine-b12921295