Filmmakers asked to make cuts and provide factual verification for historical quotes; Sikh organizations raise objections over portrayal of Bhindranwale.

||Black and White Digital News ||

||September 09,2024 ||

Kangana Ranaut’s upcoming film Emergency, initially slated for release on September 6, has faced significant delays due to certification issues with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and legal proceedings initiated by the filmmakers. The film, which portrays the events surrounding the 1975 Emergency declared by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, has been cleared by the CBFC for a ‘UA’ certification—pending some edits and fact-checks on controversial historical statements.

CBFC’s Certification Requirements:

According to sources, the CBFC examining committee cleared Emergencyfor a ‘UA’ certification, meaning the film is suitable for viewers with parental guidance, on the condition that several modifications be made. These changes include three major cuts and factual verification for contentious historical claims. Among the most controversial lines flagged by the CBFC were quotes attributed to former U.S. President Richard Nixon and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. The film’s dialogue depicts Nixon making derogatory remarks about Indian women and Churchill referring to Indians as “breeding like rabbits.” The CBFC has asked the filmmakers to provide factual sources for these quotes.

Furthermore, the CBFC requested changes to scenes involving graphic violence. In particular, a sequence depicting Pakistani soldiers attacking Bangladeshi refugees included a scene of an infant being killed and women being beheaded, which the Board suggested either be cut or toned down. The Board also recommended that an expletive used by a character in response to the death of a political leader be replaced and that a family’s surname mentioned in one of the scenes be altered.

Fact-Check and Historical Accuracy:

In addition to the cuts, the CBFC demanded factual evidence for various claims made in the film, including statistics and references to historical events such as Bangladeshi refugees, legal judgments, and archival footage of ‘Operation Bluestar.’ Filmmakers were asked to ensure the accuracy of these portrayals by submitting research sources and verifying sensitive information.

By August 14, the filmmakers agreed to comply with most of the Board’s demands, submitting factual documentation and revisions. However, despite their compliance, certification was not immediately granted.

Controversy with Sikh Organizations:

Adding to the film’s complications, Emergency has faced criticism from Sikh organizations, including the Akal Takht and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), over its depiction of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, the leader of the Khalistan movement. The film’s trailer shows Bhindranwale making a deal with Indira Gandhi’s party in exchange for a separate Sikh state. This portrayal sparked outrage, with Sikh leaders alleging that the film misrepresents their community’s history and Bhindranwale’s role. Several Sikh organizations wrote to the CBFC, demanding a ban on the film.

Legal Proceedings and Release Postponement:

On August 29, the filmmakers were informed via email that the movie had been cleared for certification. However, no official certificate was issued, leading the production team to file a petition in the Bombay High Court. During the court proceedings, the CBFC’s legal counsel revealed that the examining committee had not yet reconvened to review the filmmakers’ August 14 response, delaying the certification process.

The court has directed the CBFC to make a final decision on the film’s certification by September 18.

On September 1, Ranaut announced the postponement of the film’s release on X (formerly known as Twitter). She expressed disappointment, stating, “With a heavy heart, I announce that my directorial

Emergency has been postponed. We are still waiting for the certification from the censor board. The new release date will be announced soon.”

Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency, which features a high-profile cast including Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Mahima Choudhary, and the late Satish Kaushik, has found itself in the crosshairs of both regulatory scrutiny and public controversy. As the CBFC certification process and court proceedings continue, the filmmakers are left awaiting the final verdict that will determine the film’s future release.