'Remove 'Emergency' trailer and apologize': Kangana gets legal warning
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has issued a legal notice to the producers of Kangana Ranaut's upcoming film Emergency, including the actor herself. The committee has demanded the removal of the movie's trailer, which was released earlier this month, citing "anti-Sikh scenes." SGPC Secretary Partap Singh also wrote to the Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting and the Central Board of Film Certification's Chairperson seeking a ban on the film.
Film accused of 'character assassinating' Sikhs
The SGPC and the Akal Takht have called for an immediate ban on Emergency, alleging that the film attempts to "character assassinate" Sikhs by portraying them negatively. SGPC Chief Harjinder Singh Dhami has demanded an FIR against Ranaut—who is also the director of this movie—and criticized the film during a press conference. He also accused the CBFC of bias and called for Sikh representation on the censor board.
'Film disrespects Sikh community...'
Gyani Raghbir Singh, Jathedar (head) of the Akal Takht, accused the film of "deliberately misrepresenting the character of Sikhs as separatists," calling it a "deep conspiracy." He said the film "disrespects" the Sikh community and charged Ranaut with "deliberately character assassinating" Sikhs. He also said that the film tries to "character assassinate Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale, who has been declared a Qaumi Shaheed (community's martyr) by Sri Akal Takht Sahib."
After the petition, the issue was brought before High Court
The issue has been brought before the High Court following a petition filed by Gurinder Singh and Jagmohan Singh—both residents of Mohali district in Punjab. The petition sought directives to remove or delete scenes from the movie, arguing that they target the Sikh community by presenting false and misleading information. Additionally, the petitioners have called for the Punjab DGP to register an FIR under the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Cinematograph Act, and other applicable laws against Ranaut.
'Emergency' not a biopic of Indira Gandhi: Ranaut
Ranaut had announced Emergency in 2021, clarifying that while it is a political drama, it is not a biopic of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The film's narrative delves into Gandhi's political and personal life, with a special focus on the controversial Emergency period (1975-1977). The movie's cast includes Anupam Kher, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry, Shreyas Talpade, and others. It is now set to release on September 6, after being postponed several times.
