Remove Indira Gandhi's assassination scene: CBFC to 'Emergency' makers
The upcoming biographical film Emergency, directed by Kangana Ranaut, has been delayed due to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) withholding its approval. The movie, which was initially scheduled for release on Friday (September 6), has faced backlash and calls for a ban since its trailer was released on August 14. Emergency traces the life of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, focusing on her imposition of the Emergency in 1975 and her subsequent assassination.
CBFC's change of stance after Shiromani Akali Dal's legal notice
Although the CBFC reportedly cleared Emergency on August 29, it seems to have reversed its decision after receiving a legal notice from the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on August 30. The SAD has argued that the film could "stir communal tension" and has accused its trailer of presenting "incorrect historical facts that not only misrepresent the Sikh community, but also foster hatred and societal discord."
Ranaut expresses disappointment over unexpected developments
The delay of Emergency has come as a surprise to Ranaut, who's not only the director and lead actor, but also its co-producer. A source told Mid-Day, "Kangana is deeply upset by this unforeseen turn of events. The CBFC had...even listed their recommended modifications-which included muting the word 'saala' in a dialogue, altering the phrase 'Mr President' to 'Rashtrapati-ji,' and providing factual information for certain scenes...and stated that the film was granted a U/A certificate."
'Emergency' team hopes to resolve issues, find new release date
However, the film's team did not receive a copy of the certificate. In the last two to three days, the CBFC has suggested additional changes, including the removal of Gandhi's assassination scene. The team behind Emergency is now working toward resolving these issues and securing an alternate release date, reported the aforementioned portal.
'This has been a recurring issue during Prasoon Joshi's tenure'
When approached for a statement, both Ranaut and CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi declined to comment. Former CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani, however, shared his views saying, "This has been a recurring issue during Prasoon Joshi's tenure, where the CBFC initially clears a film, but withholds the certificate after receiving a show-cause notice. The government may be contemplating whether now is the appropriate time to release Emergency, as it could potentially offend certain sections, added Nihalani.
Sikh religious bodies express concerns over 'Emergency'
Apart from the Shiromani Akali Dal, the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC), a prominent Sikh religious body, has also raised significant concerns about Emergency. They contend that the film's trailer misrepresents their community, particularly in its depiction of Khalistani separatist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. A dialogue attributed to Bhindranwale in the trailer - "Your party wants votes, and we want Khalistan" - has sparked outrage among Sikh groups, who assert that Singh Bhindranwale never made such a statement.
Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee also opposes the film
The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) has also voiced its opposition to Emergency, sending letters to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, demanding a ban on the film. The DSGMC argues that the movie could incite hatred and further misrepresent the Sikh community.
