The Delhi unit of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has taken legal action against the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), demanding a ban on the release of Kangana Ranaut’s upcoming film, ‘Emergency’. The SAD alleges that the film’s trailer portrays inaccurate historical events that not only misrepresent the Sikh community but also contribute to hatred and societal discord.
The party further asserts that the release of ‘Emergency’ could potentially incite communal tensions and spread misinformation. They have accused actor-politician Kangana Ranaut, who stars as former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the film, of deliberately targeting the Sikh community.
The legal notice sent to the CBFC states, “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 [Kangana] 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 requests the CBFC to revoke the film’s certification and prevent its release.
Advocate Manjeet Singh Chugh, representing the SAD, told PTI, “Further, given the potential of this film to incite communal tensions and spread misinformation, I, on behalf of my client hereby call upon CBFC to exercise its authority to prevent its release. A thick line must be drawn between the right to freedom of speech and the propagation of hateful content that threatens the harmony of our society.”
Meanwhile, Kangana Ranaut has responded to the controversy with a video message claiming that she and members of the CBFC are facing threats regarding the film. She alleges that there is pressure to censor the depiction of Indira Gandhi’s assassination by her security guards and the portrayal of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and the Punjab riots.
“Our film was cleared earlier but its certification has been stopped because of several threats,” Kangana Ranaut stated, adding, “People of the censor board are also getting a lot of threads. There is pressure on us to not show the assassination of Mrs Gandhi, Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and the Punjab riots.”
She expressed her frustration, saying, “I don’t know what we will show then, that there is a blackout in the film? This is unbelievable time for me and I am very sorry for this state of things in this country.”
The release of ‘Emergency’ was initially scheduled for September 6th. The controversy surrounding the film has intensified the debate about historical accuracy and its potential impact on social harmony in India.
