Censor Board Suggests Modifications for ‘Emergency’
Kangana Ranaut’s much-anticipated film Emergency, which was originally set for release on September 6, 2024, may only hit theaters if certain cuts are made, according to the Censor Board’s statement to the Bombay High Court. The film’s release has been delayed following protests by Sikh groups, who claim the movie misrepresents their community.
Zee Studios Seeks Censor Certificate
The Censor Board’s response came in light of a plea filed by Zee Studios, the co-producer of Emergency, asking the court to issue a censor certificate for the film. However, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has outlined 11 modifications that need to be made before the movie can be released.
Court Awaits Filmmakers’ Decision
Representing the CBFC, advocate Abhinav Chandrachud informed a bench of Justices BP Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla that the CBFC’s revising committee suggested several cuts and insertions. The filmmakers must now decide whether to accept these modifications or contest them. The court has postponed the matter until September 30, 2024, as the filmmakers deliberate.
Protests and Concerns Raised by Sikh Groups
Emergency, a biographical political thriller, chronicles the life of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, focusing on the 21-month Emergency period from 1975 to 1977. However, Sikh organizations have raised concerns about the portrayal of their community and the historical accuracy of the film, calling for a complete ban on its release.
Tensions around the film have escalated since Kangana Ranaut’s controversial remarks about the farmers’ protests and the now-repealed farm laws, which drew criticism even from her own party, the BJP.
The Bombay High Court will further review the case next week to determine the future of the film’s release.
