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The release of Kangana Ranaut's upcoming film 'Emergency', a historical drama portraying the tumultuous era of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's rule, has become mired in controversy. The film, set against the backdrop of the Emergency period in India's history, delves into sensitive events such as the assassination of Indira Gandhi and the subsequent Punjab riots. This has ignited a firestorm of protest from various groups, leading to calls for a ban on the film's release.
Ranaut, who plays the role of Indira Gandhi in the film, has publicly expressed her frustration, claiming that 'Emergency' has been cleared for release by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) but is now facing delays due to threats and pressure. She alleges that both the CBFC members and the film crew are receiving threats, with demands to censor or remove scenes depicting the assassination of Indira Gandhi, the killing of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, and the Punjab riots. Ranaut questions the rationale behind this censorship, asking, “What are we supposed to show, a blackout in the film?”
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), a prominent Sikh political party, has taken legal action against the CBFC, issuing a notice demanding the film's release be halted. The SAD argues that the film's portrayal of these events could “incite communal tensions” and “spread misinformation”. They criticize the film's depiction of the Sikh community, claiming it is “unjust and negative” and that the film's intent is not to offer a genuine historical perspective but to target the Sikh community. Further adding to the controversy, several organizations, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, have also called for a ban on the film, accusing it of propagating an “anti-Sikh” narrative and misrepresenting Sikhs as “separatists”.
This controversy highlights the sensitive nature of historical events, particularly those involving religious and political tensions. It raises questions about the role of censorship in film, the balance between artistic freedom and social responsibility, and the potential for films to exacerbate existing societal divisions. While the film's creators maintain their right to tell a story that they believe is important, they face the challenge of addressing concerns about potentially inflammatory content while staying true to their artistic vision.
Source: Emergency Kangana Ranaut "Unbelievable Time": Kangana Ranaut's 'Emergency' Stuck With Censor Board