Kangana Ranaut has recently raised alarms regarding her upcoming film, Emergency. The actress revealed that the movie has yet to receive certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). In an interview with IANS, Kangana stated that although the film had initially been cleared, it was later denied the final certificate due to what she termed “a lot of drama.”
Expressing her frustration, Kangana said, “There are many issues with the censor board. I was confident that we had received certification, but now they are withholding it.” She suggested that the CBFC might be hesitating due to outside pressures and warned that she is prepared to take legal action to ensure her film’s release.
Ban Calls and Controversies Surrounding Emergency
The challenges facing Emergency go beyond certification problems. The film is currently facing calls for a ban, particularly in Telangana. A delegation from the Telangana Sikh Society, led by former IPS officer Tejdeep Kaur Menon, has accused the film of depicting the Sikh community as terrorists and anti-nationals. Additionally, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the Akhal Takht have demanded an immediate ban, alleging that the film seeks to “character assassinate” Sikhs.
Kangana addressed these controversies while emphasizing the importance of historical accuracy. “We must depict history. An almost 70-year-old woman was shot 30-35 times in her home… Someone must be held accountable. Now, you want to hide this because you fear it might offend someone. But we have to present history,” she asserted.
Kangana’s Determination to Defend Her Film
Despite these hurdles, Kangana remains resolute in her commitment to release Emergency as planned. She expressed her determination to fight for her film’s right to be seen, even if it means going to court. “I am prepared to pursue legal action to protect my film and my rights as an individual,” she declared.
Kangana also spoke about the importance of creative freedom, stating, “If they are going to stifle an artist’s voice and my creative liberty… Some may wield their guns, but we are not afraid of them.”
Emergency is a political drama that Kangana first announced in 2021. However, she clarified that the film is not a biopic of Indira Gandhi, even though the former Prime Minister plays a central role in the storyline. Kangana not only stars as the lead but also directs the film. The cast features notable actors such as Anupam Kher, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry, and Shreyas Talpade, with the late Satish Kaushik portraying Jagjivan Ram, the former Deputy Prime Minister of India. The film is set to release on September 6.
