Kangana Ranaut, renowned actress and newly elected Member of Parliament, has recently addressed mounting concerns and tensions surrounding her latest film, Emergency. The film, which features Ranaut portraying former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, is currently embroiled in controversy with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film’s release faces significant hurdles amid escalating opposition and threats. Also Read- Maalik Movie First Look: Rajkummar Rao Transforms From the Charming Boy-next-door in stree 2 to a Fierce Gangster for His Next Role! Read Now to Get Full Details!
In a recent video message shared on X (formerly known as Twitter), Ranaut addressed the confusion and misinformation surrounding the film’s certification status. “There are rumors that our film Emergency has received a censor certificate,” Ranaut stated, clarifying that these reports are inaccurate. “It is not true. In fact, our film was cleared earlier, but its certification has been halted due to several threats.”
#Emergency pic.twitter.com/Klko20kkqY
— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) August 30, 2024
Ranaut’s video highlighted the intense pressure being exerted on both her and the CBFC. She revealed that members of the board and herself have been targeted with threats, primarily in response to the film’s portrayal of sensitive historical events. The actress pointed out that significant pressure is being applied to censor specific aspects of the film, particularly those depicting the assassination of Indira Gandhi, Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, and the Punjab riots. “There is pressure on us not to show the assassination of Mrs. Gandhi, Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, and the Punjab riots. I don’t know what we will show then, that there is a blackout in the film. This is an unbelievable time for me, and I am very sorry for this state of things in this country,” Ranaut lamented.
The film’s initial release date was set for September 6, but now its future is uncertain due to the ongoing controversy. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has intensified the situation by issuing a legal notice to the CBFC, demanding that the film’s release be halted. The notice, sent on August 27, raises concerns that the film could incite communal tensions and spread misinformation, particularly about the Sikh community. The SAD argues that the film’s portrayal could exacerbate existing communal issues and create discord within Punjab and the broader national community.
According to a report by NDTV, the legal notice asserts that the film’s depictions are not only misleading but also deeply offensive. The SAD’s notice alleges that Ranaut’s depiction of Sikh history is intended to target and malign the Sikh community rather than provide a genuine historical or political critique of the Congress party. “Such depictions are not only misleading but also deeply offensive and damaging to the social fabric of Punjab and the entire nation. It is apparent that Ranaut has chosen the subject of the Emergency not to make a genuine political or historical statement against Congress but rather to target the Sikh community,” the notice reads.
The controversy surrounding Emergency has intensified in recent days, with Ranaut reaching out to the police for assistance in response to the escalating threats and objections. Members of the Sikh community have voiced strong objections to the film’s content, which has added another layer of complexity to the situation. Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has reportedly assured Sikh community leaders that the state government will explore the possibility of prohibiting the film’s release, pending legal advice. Also Read- Anushka Sharma’s Latest Festive Ad Campaign Has Fans Swooning! Fans Say “Queen for a Reason”; Watch Video Now!
In a related development, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex body responsible for managing historical Gurdwaras, has also issued a legal notice to the film’s producers, including Kangana Ranaut. The SGPC’s notice alleges that Emergency misrepresents Sikh history and contains scenes that are deeply offensive to the Sikh community. The SGPC has demanded the immediate removal of these objectionable scenes and an apology from the filmmakers. Additionally, the SGPC has called for the removal of the film’s trailer, which was released on August 14, from all public and social media platforms.
The film’s portrayal of historical events and figures, particularly those related to the Emergency period in India, has sparked significant controversy. The depiction of sensitive subjects such as political violence and communal tensions has led to heightened scrutiny and backlash from various quarters. The film’s content, combined with the broader political and social climate, has made its release a contentious issue.
As the situation unfolds, the future of Emergency remains uncertain. The film’s reception and the responses from various stakeholders will likely shape the final outcome. Kangana Ranaut’s candid remarks about the challenges she is facing highlight the complex intersection of politics, history, and media in contemporary India. The ongoing controversy underscores the difficulties associated with portraying sensitive historical events in a manner that balances artistic expression with respect for diverse community sentiments.
