Kangana Ranaut Gets Relief, ‘Emergency’ Cleared for Release
Mumbai: Actress and MP Kangana Ranaut’s film ‘Emergency’ has finally received clearance from the Censor Board, paving the way for its release. Last month, several Sikh organizations raised objections to certain scenes and references in the film, demanding a ban. The matter escalated to the High Court, and Kangana had earlier stated that the release date had to be postponed due to a lack of certification from the Censor Board. The board has now permitted the film’s release, provided that three types of references are filtered and authentic context is provided for some historical figures’ dialogues.
Originally set to release on September 6, the film’s screening was delayed as it could not be released without the board’s certification. The Censor Board has now decided to grant the film a U/A certificate, clearing the way for its release. However, some conditions have been imposed, including removing three types of content and proving the authenticity of statements made by historical figures like former U.S. President Richard Nixon and Winston Churchill.
Reports indicate that the Censor Board has asked the filmmakers to cut certain scenes, including one where Pakistani soldiers are shown attacking Bangladeshi refugees. Specifically, one scene depicts soldiers beheading a baby, while another shows the beheading of three women. The board also objected to a public announcement made after the death of a leader and instructed the filmmakers to change it. Additionally, the surname mentioned in the dialogue is also required to be altered.
The Censor Board has also questioned some statements made by Richard Nixon and Winston Churchill in the film. This includes Nixon’s controversial remarks about Indian women and Churchill’s statement that “Indians breed like rabbits.” The board has asked the filmmakers to provide necessary context to validate these statements. It has also requested proof for all the research materials and data used in the film, including information on Bangladeshi refugees, court rulings, and footage used from Operation Blue Star.
The controversy surrounding ‘Emergency’ began with the release of its trailer. Many Sikh organizations raised objections to a scene where Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale promises votes to Indira Gandhi in exchange for an independent Sikh state. As a result, the High Court had initially stayed the film’s release. However, three weeks earlier, on August 8, the Censor Board had written to the film’s production company, Manikarnika Films Private Limited, outlining 10 required changes for U/A certification. By August 14, the filmmakers had responded, agreeing to nine out of the ten changes.
On August 29, the filmmakers received an email stating that the film was approved for certification, but no certificate was issued at that time. This prompted the filmmakers to approach the Bombay High Court. The Censor Board explained that the delay was due to the failure to hold a meeting to discuss the filmmakers’ response submitted on August 14. The court then directed the board to provide details by September 18.
With the certification issues finally resolved, the path is now clear for Kangana Ranaut’s ‘Emergency’ to hit the theaters.
