Bollywood actress and director Kangana Ranaut has received a green light from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for her upcoming film Emergency. After several delays and objections raised by Sikh organizations, the film has been granted a U/A certificate. However, the CBFC has instructed Kangana and her team to make 10 changes in the film, along with the deletion of 3 scenes, before its release.
Emergency was initially set for release on 6th September 2024 but ran into controversy after its trailer launch, leading to a temporary halt in its certification process. Directed by Kangana Ranaut, the film features her in the role of India’s former Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, and focuses on the turbulent period during the Emergency declared in India in 1975.
Controversies and Objections
One of the major reasons for the delay was objections raised by Sikh groups, especially in Punjab and Mumbai, who alleged that the film distorts historical facts and portrays the Sikh community in a negative light. In Mumbai, protests were held outside a Gurudwara, with thousands of Sikhs, including women and children, expressing their anger. Protesters even threw slippers at posters of Kangana, accusing the film of showing Sikhs as terrorists and resembling the controversial figure Jarnail Singh Bhindranwala.
Due to these protests, the Censor Board took its time in reviewing the content of Emergency, and ultimately decided that the film would need changes before it could be released in theaters.
Censor Board’s Instructions: 10 Changes and Scene Removals
According to media reports, the CBFC has laid out 10 changes that need to be made in the film, many of which are related to the objections raised by Sikh organizations. Among these, 3 scenes have been asked to be deleted entirely.
One of the key scenes that has been ordered for removal features Pakistani soldiers attacking Bangladeshi refugees, particularly women and children. The Board found this scene controversial and sensitive.
Additionally, the Censor Board has directed that in scenes where controversial statements are made, the sources must be clearly cited. For example, in the film, former US President Richard Nixon makes derogatory comments about Indian women, and former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill makes remarks comparing the reproductive habits of Indians to rabbits. The Board insists that these comments be backed by credible sources within the movie.
Vivek Agnihotri Backs ‘Emergency,’ Criticizes Censorship Rules
Delayed Release Due to Censorship
Kangana Ranaut had earlier expressed disappointment over the film’s delay due to certification issues. She pointed out that the film couldn’t be released as scheduled in September because the certification was on hold. Now that the CBFC has issued its clearance, it is yet to be seen if the changes and deletions will be enough to calm the protests and ensure the smooth release of the film.
While Emergency has received much attention for its controversial subject matter, the Censor Board’s decision reflects the sensitivity of certain scenes and dialogues. Kangana’s production house, Manikarnika Films, is now working on making the necessary changes as per the Board’s recommendations.
Fans and critics alike are now waiting to see how the final version of the film shapes up after these modifications, and whether the controversies surrounding Emergency will settle down as it nears its release.
