Kangana Ranaut`s Emergency Postponed Amidst CBFC Certification Delays
Updated on: 02 September, 2024 10:24 AM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Still from Emergency trailer
Kangana Ranaut`s much-anticipated film Emergency has been postponed. The film, which was originally slated for a release on September 6, 2024, is facing a delay due to certification issues with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film marks Kangana’s debut as a director and features her in the role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. While the postponement has caused a stir, the controversy surrounding the film has only intensified, especially with its portrayal of certain historical events and figures.
The film has already sparked significant controversy, particularly over its depiction of events during the Emergency period in India, including the assassination of Indira Gandhi, the role of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, and the Punjab riots. The CBFC has reportedly requested more cuts to the film, citing concerns over the potential impact on various communities.
Also Read: Kangana Ranaut On Projecting Indira Gandhi`s Image: "Emergency Will Be A Slap.."
She stated, “Kayi tarah ki afwahein ud rahi hain ki humari film Emergency ko censor certificate mil gaya hai. It is not true. In fact, humari film clear ho gayi thi lekin uski certification rok li gayi hai kyuki bohot zyada dhamkiya aa rhi hain jaan se maaar dene ki censor waalo ko.” This statement revealed that while the film initially received clearance, the certification process was halted due to death threats against members of the censor board.
Also Read: Randeep Hooda Feels Alia Bhatt Was `Unfairly` Targeted, Criticizes Kangana Ranaut
Kangana also expressed her concerns about the demands to omit significant portions of the film, including the assassination of Indira Gandhi, Bhindranwale’s involvement, and the portrayal of the Punjab riots. “We are facing pressure to omit significant content, such as the assassination of Indira Gandhi, Bhindranwale, and the Punjab riots. I find this situation deeply troubling and am saddened by the current state of affairs in our country,” she said.
Despite these challenges, sources close to Kangana’s team have stated that the actress-turned-politician remains hopeful that the film will be released within the next 10 days. Kangana is determined to see the film released as soon as possible.
The Delhi unit of Shiromani Akali Dal sent a legal notice to the CBFC, urging them to halt the film’s release. They claimed the film might "incite communal tensions" and "spread misinformation." The legal notice stated, "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 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 controversy continues to grow as Sikh organisations strongly reacted to the trailer, further accusing the film of portraying the Sikh community in an "unjust and negative light."
Also Read: Kangana Ranaut Takes A Dig At Celebs Who Performed At Ambani Pre-Wedding Bash
Emergency Release Delayed
Renowned trade analyst Taran Adarsh shared the news about the postponement on social media, saying, “#BreakingNews... #Emergency postponed... Won`t release on 6 Sept 2024. #ZeeStudios #KanganaRanaut.”The film has already sparked significant controversy, particularly over its depiction of events during the Emergency period in India, including the assassination of Indira Gandhi, the role of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, and the Punjab riots. The CBFC has reportedly requested more cuts to the film, citing concerns over the potential impact on various communities.
Also Read: Kangana Ranaut On Projecting Indira Gandhi`s Image: "Emergency Will Be A Slap.."
Kangana`s response and ongoing controversy
Kangana Ranaut has not yet issued an official statement regarding the postponement of Emergency. The production houses involved, Zee Studios and Manikarnika Films, have also remained silent on the matter. However, Kangana did address the situation in a video shared on her social media handles earlier.She stated, “Kayi tarah ki afwahein ud rahi hain ki humari film Emergency ko censor certificate mil gaya hai. It is not true. In fact, humari film clear ho gayi thi lekin uski certification rok li gayi hai kyuki bohot zyada dhamkiya aa rhi hain jaan se maaar dene ki censor waalo ko.” This statement revealed that while the film initially received clearance, the certification process was halted due to death threats against members of the censor board.
Also Read: Randeep Hooda Feels Alia Bhatt Was `Unfairly` Targeted, Criticizes Kangana Ranaut
Kangana also expressed her concerns about the demands to omit significant portions of the film, including the assassination of Indira Gandhi, Bhindranwale’s involvement, and the portrayal of the Punjab riots. “We are facing pressure to omit significant content, such as the assassination of Indira Gandhi, Bhindranwale, and the Punjab riots. I find this situation deeply troubling and am saddened by the current state of affairs in our country,” she said.
Despite these challenges, sources close to Kangana’s team have stated that the actress-turned-politician remains hopeful that the film will be released within the next 10 days. Kangana is determined to see the film released as soon as possible.
The Emergency Controversy
The controversy surrounding Emergency began when its trailer was released. The trailer depicts Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale as a manipulative figure. He was the leader of the separatist Khalistan movement, who promised to deliver votes to the Congress in exchange for a separate Sikh state. This portrayal sparked outrage, particularly among Sikh organisations and political groups.The Delhi unit of Shiromani Akali Dal sent a legal notice to the CBFC, urging them to halt the film’s release. They claimed the film might "incite communal tensions" and "spread misinformation." The legal notice stated, "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 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 controversy continues to grow as Sikh organisations strongly reacted to the trailer, further accusing the film of portraying the Sikh community in an "unjust and negative light."
Also Read: Kangana Ranaut Takes A Dig At Celebs Who Performed At Ambani Pre-Wedding Bash
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