The much-anticipated release of Kangana Ranaut's directorial debut, the biographical political drama "Emergency," has been postponed amidst growing controversy and security concerns. Sources close to Kangana’s team have confirmed that the Mandi Lok Sabha MP is hopeful the film will be released within the next 10 days, despite the ongoing challenges. The postponement comes in light of issues with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and recent death threats directed at both Kangana and members of the Censor Board.
Kangana, who has been vocal about the situation, recently posted a video on her official X (formerly Twitter) account, where she addressed the rumors surrounding the film's certification. She clarified that while "Emergency" had initially been cleared by the CBFC, the certification process was halted due to the threats. According to Kangana, there has been significant pressure to remove crucial content from the film, including scenes depicting the assassination of Indira Gandhi, Bhindranwale, and the Punjab riots, which are central to the narrative of the film.
This controversy traces back to the release of a 2.43-minute trailer on August 14, which sparked significant backlash from Sikh groups. The trailer portrays Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, the leader of the separatist Khalistan movement, in a negative light, depicting him as a manipulative figure who negotiated with Congress in exchange for a separate Sikh state. This portrayal led the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) to take action, sending letters to the CBFC and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, demanding a ban on the film. The DSGMC accused the film of misrepresenting the Sikh community and expressed concerns that it could incite hatred and violence.
As the controversy escalated, Sikh community leaders in Telangana raised similar concerns with the state government, leading to a discussion about potentially banning the film's release in the state. Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy assured the delegation that the government would seriously consider their request, which is pending legal consultation.
The situation has put the film's release in a precarious position, as it touches on sensitive historical and political issues that continue to resonate strongly with certain communities in India. The threats and demands for censorship highlight the complex and often fraught relationship between art, politics, and community sentiments in the country.
Despite these challenges, Kangana remains resolute in her determination to release "Emergency" as soon as possible, underscoring her commitment to the film's narrative and its controversial subject matter. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the film will indeed see the light of day in its original form or if it will have to undergo significant changes to appease the various stakeholders involved.
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