Australia-based Sikh council seeks ban on Kangana's 'Emergency'
An Australia-based Sikh council has sought a ban on the political drama Emergency, starring Kangana Ranaut, for allegedly misrepresenting historical events and being disrespectful to Sikh martyrs. This comes a few days after the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Akhal Takht raised similar concerns about the film. The movie is centered around India's former Prime Minister, the late Indira Gandhi, and her role during the 1975-77 Emergency.
'Film disrespectful to Sikh martyrs, misrepresents historical events'
According to a statement obtained by India Today, the Sikh council expressed deep concern about the screening of Emergency in theaters. The complainant stated, "This film reportedly depicts the role of ex-Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, in a heroic role and Sikh martyrs in a manner that is profoundly disrespectful and misrepresents historical events significant and traumatic to the Sikh community." The council reportedly called it a "propaganda" film.
'Film expected to cause unrest in Sikh Punjabi community'
The legal statement further read, "The film is expected to cause unrest in the Sikh Punjabi community and non-Hindutva supporters, among the pro-Hindu (BJP- Modi) supporters in Australia. The negative portrayal of revered Sikh community leader Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale in the film has sparked concerns." "Screening this film will increase the political tension between the Sikh and Hindu communities of Australia and hurt the religious sentiments of Sikhs."
SGPC chief alleges 'Emergency' tries to 'character assassinate' Sikhs
Earlier, SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami alleged that Emergency attempts to "character assassinate" Sikhs. He demanded that the government should file a case against Ranaut for inciting the religious sentiments of Sikhs through the film. Dhami also emphasized the need for a Sikh member in the Central Film Censor Board to prevent unilateral decisions and called for the government to implement this resolution.
Earlier, politician Harsimrat Kaur Badal also opposed the film
Earlier, SAD MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal, reportedly said: "Kangana has been making controversial remarks about various happenings in Punjab. She allegedly misbehaved with a Sikh CISF staff member at the airport. And now I have been told that she has made this film that shows the Sikh community in the wrong light." "Unfortunately, she (Ranaut) is an MP of the BJP, the BJP should clarify if that is the party's stand on this issue as well."
The film remains on track for release in September
Despite these problems, Emergency is scheduled for a worldwide release on September 6. The release—initially set for June—was delayed due to Ranaut's involvement in the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. The star-studded cast includes Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, and Milind Soman alongside Ranaut. The Fashion actor has also directed this ambitious project.
