'Emergency' release soon: After Kangana, Zee agrees to CBFC's cuts
The producers of Kangana Ranaut's controversial film Emergency have agreed to implement the cuts suggested by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Zee Entertainment Enterprises, a co-producer of the film, confirmed this development in the Bombay High Court on Friday. Senior counsel Sharan Jagtiani, representing Zee, assured that the necessary edits would be made and then submitted to CBFC for certification.
CBFC to verify and issue certificate post-cuts
Senior counsel Abhinav Chandrachud, representing the CBFC, stated that once the film is submitted after implementing the suggested cuts, it would be verified and a certificate would be issued within two weeks. This statement was accepted by a division bench of Justices BP Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla who then disposed of the petition filed by Zee Entertainment. The court will pass a detailed order at a later date.
'Emergency' release delayed due to certification issues
The release of Emergency, initially scheduled for September 6, has been delayed due to ongoing issues with CBFC certification. Last week, the CBFC informed the High Court that the film could be released if certain cuts were made as decided by its revising committee. Earlier this week, it was revealed that Ranaut's production company Manikarnika Films had agreed to these cuts.
'Emergency' faced backlash over alleged misrepresentation
The biographical drama Emergency has been mired in controversy with Sikh organizations including the Shiromani Akali Dal accusing it of misrepresenting their community and distorting historical facts. Zee Entertainment had previously claimed that the CBFC had already prepared the certificate for the movie but was not issuing it. Ranaut, who directed and co-produced the film while also playing former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, accused CBFC of stalling certification to delay its release.
Zee Entertainment alleged political interference in certification
Zee Entertainment also suggested that the certificate was being withheld for political reasons and due to the upcoming elections in Haryana. The bench questioned why the ruling party (BJP) would act against Ranaut, who is a BJP MP herself. These allegations add another layer of complexity to the ongoing controversy surrounding Emergency's release.
