Kangana Ranaut’s much-anticipated film Emergency can be released once certain cuts, to be recommended by the Censor Board of Film Certification’s (CBFC) revising committee, are made, the Bombay High Court was informed on Thursday.
The film, based on the Emergency imposed in 1975 by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, had faced delays following complaints of historical inaccuracies and misrepresentation of the Sikh community.
The movie, originally slated for a September 6 release, has been under scrutiny for what government sources called “sensitive content” that allegedly hurts religious sentiments.
The CBFC is now expected to provide a final decision, which will determine the release date.
Legal Battle for the Release
The Bombay High Court was hearing a petition filed by the movie’s co-producers, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, which sought the release of the censor certificate to allow the film to hit theatres. Justice BP Colabwalla, who was part of the two-judge division bench, questioned the balance between creative freedom and public perception. He noted, “Do you think public is so naive they will believe everything in a movie? What about creative freedom?”
The court further urged the CBFC to take a stand, saying, “Take a decision. Let’s see what the revising committee says, be it deciding to release or not, take a decision. Have the courage to say that the film should not be released. We will appreciate the stand of the CBFC.”
ALSO READ: Kangana Ranaut apologizes after BJP distances itself from her remarks on farm laws
The CBFC’s counsel, Abhinav Chandrachud, acknowledged the complexity of the film’s content, citing scenes that depict a polarising figure cutting deals with political parties. However, Chandrachud maintained that there was no political angle to the movie. “We have to see if this is factually accurate,” he added, explaining the board’s reservations.
Objections and Delays
The film’s release was stalled not only due to the concerns raised by the CBFC but also following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by two Sikh organizations in the Madhya Pradesh High Court. They objected to the portrayal of certain historical events and figures in the movie. However, the court dismissed the petition after the CBFC confirmed that no censor certificate had been issued at the time.
Kangana Ranaut, who portrays Indira Gandhi in the film, has voiced her frustrations over the delays, claiming that the financial burden has taken a personal toll. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she revealed, “I had staked my personal property on this film… which was supposed to come in theatres. Now it is not releasing, so the property is there, to be sold off in difficult times.”
Emergency – A Controversial Portrayal
Emergency chronicles one of the most controversial periods in Indian political history – the 1975 Emergency, which saw significant restrictions on civil liberties, the press, and opposition leaders. Kangana Ranaut’s portrayal of Indira Gandhi has attracted attention for its bold narrative choices. However, the movie has also been marred by criticism from political and community groups, accusing it of distorting historical facts.
Star-Studded Cast
In addition to Kangana Ranaut, Emergency features a stellar cast, including Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, Mahima Chaudhry, and Milind Soman, in pivotal roles. Despite the controversies, the film has garnered significant attention, with audiences eager to see Ranaut’s interpretation of a historical figure as contentious as Indira Gandhi.
