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Kangana Ranaut's upcoming film 'Emergency,' a biographical political thriller chronicling the life of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, has found itself amidst a maelstrom of controversy. The film, which delves into the 21-month emergency period imposed by Gandhi from 1975 to 1977, has faced backlash from various Sikh groups and has yet to receive a green signal from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film's pre-release turmoil has sparked debate about censorship, historical accuracy, and the delicate balance between creative freedom and societal sensitivities.
The controversy surrounding 'Emergency' first emerged from criticism by Sikh groups regarding certain scenes in the film. These groups expressed concern about potential misrepresentations or inaccuracies in the portrayal of historical events, particularly those related to the Punjab riots during the Emergency period. The CBFC's reluctance to grant a censor certificate to the film further fueled the debate, leading to speculation about potential pressure from various quarters.
Adding to the controversy, Kangana Ranaut, who not only stars as Indira Gandhi but also directs the film, alleged on social media that the censor board had received death threats regarding a few scenes. She specifically mentioned scenes depicting the assassination of Indira Gandhi, the Punjab riots, and other sensitive events. Kangana expressed her bewilderment and disappointment over the censor board's reluctance to certify the film, questioning the current state of freedom of expression in India.
Source: "It takes lot of hard work to make a film": Divya Khossla on 'Emergency' row