The controversy surrounding Kangana Ranaut’s upcoming film ‘Emergency’ continues to escalate. The film, a biographical political thriller about the life of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, has been caught in a web of delays due to pending certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). This has led to frustration and accusations from both Ranaut and the film’s producers, who are facing significant financial losses due to the postponed release.
Ranaut has pointed a finger at the CBFC, urging them to take responsibility for releasing the film swiftly. She emphasized the film’s substantial budget and the financial burdens incurred by the delay, stating, “I know how I made this film… I did not get any support from the film industry. It’s made on a huge budget. I, along with Zee and other partners created Emergency, and now with the release delay, everyone is bearing a huge loss. Delay release is a loss for all. I think the censor board should take the responsibility to release this film at the earliest.”
Adding fuel to the fire, the Bombay High Court recently expressed its displeasure with the CBFC’s delay tactics. The court underscored that creative freedom and freedom of expression cannot be stifled, and the censor board cannot withhold certification solely based on apprehensions about law and order issues.
However, the controversy surrounding ‘Emergency’ extends beyond the film’s certification delays. Ranaut also took aim at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, criticizing his statements made during his US visit, particularly those concerning the Sikh community. Gandhi’s remarks about the Sikh community’s rights in India sparked controversy, with Ranaut accusing him of utilizing fringe groups and dividing the country for political gain.
The movie itself has been a subject of debate, with several Sikh groups raising concerns about historical inaccuracies and misrepresentation of their community. They claim that the film portrays events in a biased and distorted manner, prompting Kangana Ranaut to announce the film’s postponement on September 6th, citing the pending certification from the censor board.
‘Emergency’ is poised to delve into the controversial period of Indira Gandhi’s rule, including the 21-month Emergency period (1975-1977) and the controversial Operation Blue Star. While Indira Gandhi is recognized for her contributions to the Indian economy and banking sector, these events remain a source of debate and scrutiny. The ongoing controversy surrounding the film highlights the sensitive nature of portraying historical figures and events on screen, particularly in a nation with a diverse and complex past.
