Kangana Ranaut’s upcoming film ‘Emergency’, set to release on September 6, 2024, has found itself embroiled in controversy even before its premiere. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the Akal Takht, two prominent Sikh bodies, have vehemently demanded a ban on the film, alleging that it misrepresents the Sikh community and paints them in a negative light. They argue that the film is an attempt to ‘character assassinate’ the Sikhs and propagate a false narrative against them.
On Wednesday, SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami addressed a press conference, calling for an FIR to be registered against Ranaut and expressing strong objections to the film. He cited past instances where films had misrepresented the Sikh community, leading to hurt sentiments. He also criticized the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for its alleged bias and urged for the inclusion of Sikh members in the censor board.
Echoing the SGPC’s concerns, Jathedar (head) of the Akal Takht Gyani Raghbir Singh accused the film of ‘deliberately misrepresenting’ the character of Sikhs as separatists, claiming this was part of a broader conspiracy. He stated that the film ‘disrespects’ the community and condemned Ranaut’s alleged attempt to ‘deliberately character assassinate’ Sikhs.
Singh particularly pointed to the film’s portrayal of Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale, a figure declared a ‘Qaumi Shaheed’ (community martyr) by Sri Akal Takht Sahib. He argued that ‘Emergency’ attempts to tarnish the legacy of Bhindranwale and the community can never forget the anti-Sikh brutality of June 1984.
Adding to the controversy, Singh criticized the government for its inaction against Ranaut, who he said has made numerous statements against Sikhs in the past. He called for the actress-turned-politician to be booked for ‘inciting religious sentiments of Sikhs’ through her actions in the film ‘Emergency’.
Despite the controversy, Kangana Ranaut has maintained that her film ‘Emergency’, while a political drama, is not a biopic of Indira Gandhi. She is both starring in and directing the film, which boasts a cast that includes Mahima Chaudhry, Anupam Kher, Milind Soman, and Shreyas Talpade. Talpade portrays Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Anupam Kher plays Jayaprakash Narayan, and the late Satish Kaushik is featured as the former Deputy Prime Minister of India, Jagjivan Ram.
The release of ‘Emergency’ has been delayed several times, and its premiere on September 6, 2024, is now met with heightened anticipation amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding its depiction of Sikh characters.
