Binnu Dhillon Questions CBFC Standards After ‘Khushkhabri’ Release Delay

Punjabi actor Binnu Dhillon has openly criticised the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), alleging inconsistent treatment toward regional cinema after his upcoming film Khushkhabri faced last-minute certification hurdles.

The film, initially slated to hit theatres on April 17, was pushed back by a week and is now set for release on April 24. According to Dhillon, the delay stemmed from objections raised over a single slang word, which led the board to demand multiple edits before granting approval.

Speaking to the media during a recent public appearance, the actor expressed frustration over what he described as “unnecessary interference,” noting that the trailer and songs of the film had already been cleared without issue. However, the full feature ran into trouble just a day before its scheduled release, forcing the team to implement six cuts and resubmit the film.

Dhillon also compared his experience with the treatment of mainstream Hindi films such as Dhurandhar: The Revenge, claiming that movies containing stronger language appear to pass through the certification process with fewer obstacles. He questioned why Punjabi-language productions seem to face stricter scrutiny.

However, industry observers point out that the comparison may not be entirely accurate. While films in the Dhurandhar franchise do include intense dialogue, portions containing explicit references—particularly those targeting women—have reportedly been muted or edited to meet certification guidelines.

The controversy has reignited discussion around censorship practices and whether regional film industries are being evaluated differently. Filmmakers in Punjab have previously raised concerns about delays and cuts affecting release schedules and box office prospects.

Despite the setback, Khushkhabri is now cleared for release, with its makers hoping the debate will draw attention to the challenges faced by regional cinema in navigating regulatory frameworks.

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