'Emergency': Why Sikh bodies are demanding ban on Kangana's film
Prominent Sikh organizations and leaders from Punjab, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the Akhal Takht, have called for a ban on Kangana Ranaut's upcoming film Emergency. The movie, which marks Ranaut's return to cinema after being elected MP from Himachal Pradesh's Mandi, has sparked controversy due to its depiction of the Sikh community during the 1975-1977 Emergency period in India.
What is the reason behind Sikh bodies demanding a ban?
The trailer of Emergency, released on August 14, portrays the late Sikh militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale as colluding with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. In the film, Bhindranwale promises to secure votes for Gandhi's Congress party in exchange for a separate Sikh state. This depiction has sparked outrage among the Sikh community, who accuse the film of offending their sentiments and negatively portraying their community.
Sikh hardliner Sarabjit Singh Khalsa raised objections
Sikh hardliner and Faridkot MP Sarabjit Singh Khalsa was the first to raise objections against Emergency. Khalsa—who is the son of Beant Singh (one of Gandhi's assassins)—has urged the Punjab government to ban the film's release to prevent potential law and order issues in the state. "The film is part of a larger conspiracy to defame the Sikh community. Hate crimes against the Sikhs are on the rise...this film is contributing to it," he wrote.
SGPC and Akhal Takht demand ban on 'Emergency'
Meanwhile, 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," she said. "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."
BJP spokesperson in Punjab shares his views
Vineet Joshi—the BJP spokesperson in Punjab—stated that the primary objection to Emergency is its depiction of Bhindranwale as a creation of Gandhi. He cited several instances where journalists who covered the Punjab militancy—including Kuldip Nayar—have stated that Bhindranwale was chosen by the Congress's top leadership to draw Panthic voters away from the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) in Punjab. "However, Nayar adds that the Congress later regretted creating Bhindranwale because he became too big for them to handle."
Meanwhile, here's what to know about the film
Emergency, which features Ranaut in the role of Gandhi, 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. Meanwhile, Ranaut has also donned the director's hat for her forthcoming film. The star-studded cast includes Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, and Milind Soman alongside Ranaut.
