LONDON, UK—Release of the highly anticipated Punjabi film Toofan Singh has suffered another setback after the Revising Committee of the Indian censor board refused certification citing that “the film depicts the anti-national elements and also glorifies the terrorism/Khalistan movement.”
Toofan Singh is a semi-biographical story chartering the journey of survival of a young boy growing up in Punjab during the turbulent 1980’s. Devastated by the deteriorating law and order situation, Toofan Singh is forced to fight against corruption, crime and brutality in order to protect society regardless of religion, caste or creed.
The film was initially referred to the Revising Committee after the Indian censor board chairman refused clearance following the initial five-member examining committee’s failure to reach a consensus upon release 2. The film was scheduled to be assessed by a fifteen-member board of the Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC) however the assessment was conducted by an eight-member board who subsequently refused certification.
The film is the first feature film and directorial debut of Baghal Singh of Royal Cine Arts and stars renowned Punjabi singer Ranjit Bawa in his acting debut.
“We strongly feel the decision of the CBFC is misguided as we have taken every care to ensure that Toofan Singh is an accurate and well balanced film which has been responsibly and professionally researched and produced. We are therefore left with no option but to take legal action to redress the impetuous decision of the revising committee” stated Baghal Singh.
