Kangana Ranaut’s much-anticipated film Emergency is scheduled to hit theatres on 6th September 2024. However, the film is already facing significant backlash and legal challenges, particularly in Punjab. The controversy revolves around claims that the movie portrays Sikhs in a negative light, leading to demands for its ban in the state.
Legal Battle to Stop the Release
Advocate Iman Singh Khara has taken the issue to the Punjab-Haryana High Court, filing a petition to halt the release of Emergency in Punjab. The petition alleges that the film contains objectionable content that misrepresents the Sikh community. The High Court is expected to hear the petition within the next two days, and the outcome could have a significant impact on the film’s release in Punjab.
In addition to the legal action, protests have erupted in Bathinda, where Sikh groups gathered outside cinema halls, demanding the film be banned. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), a prominent Sikh organization, has also stepped into the fray. The SGPC has issued a notice to Kangana Ranaut and the film’s producer, demanding the removal of the trailer from social media and a written apology to the Sikh community.
Social Media Threats and Rising Tensions
The controversy took a darker turn on August 26th when a video surfaced on social media showing Vicky Thomas Masih issuing a death threat to Kangana Ranaut. The actress responded by reposting the video and tagging the Directors General of Police in Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab, urging them to take immediate action. This incident has further intensified the already heated atmosphere surrounding the film.
The Story Behind ‘Emergency’
Emergency is a historical drama set during the tumultuous period of 1975 when the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency in India. Kangana Ranaut takes on the challenging role of Indira Gandhi, showcasing the political and personal turmoil of that era. The film features an ensemble cast, including Anupam Kher as Jayaprakash Narayan, Manisha Koirala, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, and Mahima Chaudhary. In addition to playing the lead role, Kangana has also directed the film, making it a significant project in her career.
Multiple Delays and the Importance of ‘Emergency’ for Kangana
Emergency has faced several delays before finally securing its September release date. Initially slated for release on 24th November 2023, the film was postponed multiple times, with one of the delays attributed to Kangana’s involvement in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The final release date was set for 6th September 2024, but the ongoing controversies have cast a shadow over its upcoming debut.
The film’s release is crucial for Kangana, who has faced a string of box office disappointments in recent years. Her last film, Tejas, released in October 2023, failed to perform well at the box office, adding to her recent struggles. With Emergency, Kangana hopes to make a strong comeback, and the success of the film is vital for her career at this juncture.
As the release date approaches, all eyes are on the Punjab-Haryana High Court and the response of the Sikh community. The outcome of these events will determine whether Emergency will see a smooth release or face further obstacles in its journey to the big screen.
