New Delhi:
Kangana Ranaut's film 'Emergency' has been postponed yet again, following opposition from Sikh organisations. The actor-turned-MP made the announcement today, stating that the delay is due to the awaiting certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce that my directorial film Emergency has been postponed. We are still awaiting certification from the censor board. The new release date will be announced soon. Thank you for your understanding and patience,” Ms Ranaut posted on X.
With a heavy heart I announce that my Directorial Emergency has been postponed, we are still waiting for the certification from the censorship board, a new release date will be announced soon, thank you for your understanding and patience
– Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) September 6, 2024
The film, co-produced by Kangana’s Manikarnika Films and Zee Studios, was initially scheduled to release on September 6. However, due to the lack of a censor certificate, Zee Entertainment Enterprises took the matter to the Bombay High Court, seeking an intervention to clear the film for release. This legal battle has led to further delays and without a favourable outcome from the court, the release has been postponed indefinitely.
The Bombay High Court on Wednesday refused to grant any urgent relief in the wake of the directive issued by the Madhya Pradesh High Court directing the censor board to consider objections to the film before certifying it.
What is the movie about?
The film is based on the state of emergency declared by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975, a controversial 21-month period that is often considered one of the darkest chapters of Indian democracy. Ranaut plays the role of Indira Gandhi and the film delves into key historical events such as the state of emergency itself, the assassination of Indira Gandhi and the rise of the Khalistan movement under the leadership of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale in the 1980s.
The cast includes veteran actors like Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade and Milind Soman. The script has been written by Ranaut, further marking her growing influence as a filmmaker.
While the film was initially slated to release last year, several delays (including timing around the upcoming Lok Sabha elections) pushed the release first to June 2024 and then to September. Ongoing certification issues with the CBFC have left the future release date uncertain.
What are the objections?
The film has received criticism, particularly from the Sikh community. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex body responsible for the management of Sikh religious institutions, has expressed concern that the film distorts historical facts and misrepresents the image of the Sikh community. Following the release of the trailer, the SGPC, along with the Akal Takht, demanded an immediate ban on the film.
The SGPC sent a legal notice to the producers, alleging that certain scenes in the trailer were “anti-Sikh” and hurt the sentiments of the community. The SGPC has since contacted the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the CBFC to request a ban on the film.
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