'Emergency': Kangana Ranaut Starrer Film's Release Delayed; What's The Controversy?

Kangana Ranaut's latest film Emergency has been delayed ahead of its scheduled release on September 6, 2024. The movie, dealing with the 1975 Emergency in India, has not received its final certification from CBFC, forcing the delay.

CBFC Wants Cuts, Changes

While the CBFC had granted 'Emergency' a 'UA' certification, which lets viewers watch the film with parental guidance, the board had wanted the filmmakers to make three specific cuts and provide factual proof for some controversial historic statements in the film. These involved a quote attributed to former US President Richard Nixon, where he reportedly referred, in derogatory terms, to Indian women and another to Winston Churchill referring to Indians 'breeding like rabbits.' This was necessary confirmation for inclusion in the film.

Controversy for Scenes and Changes Asked

The CBFC also wanted some violent scenes to be deleted or reshot. One scene depicts a Pakistani soldier harming an infant during the attack on Bangladeshi refugees. Another scene depicts the beheading of three women. The board wanted both scenes changed or deleted to make the movie suitable for wider audiences.

Also, the filmmakers were asked to substitute the use of a crowd-shouted obscenity and the surname of a family featured in one scene.

Filmmakers' Response

The film was submitted for certification on 8th July 2024 and the list of changes from the CBFC arrived on 8th August 2024. The producers responded on 14th August, accepting most of the changes and supplying the necessary factual information. Still, the final certification was not forthcoming.

Protests From Sikh Groups

The movie also waded into trouble with Sikh groups upon the trailer's release. The trailer gave a glimpse of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, the leader of the separatist Khalistan movement, which, in itself, was an insult too big to be digested by the protesters. Some Sikh organizations, including the Akal Takht, had been demanding a ban on the movie on the grounds that it depicts Sikhs in poor light.

Court Involvement And New Release Date

The board sent an e-mail to the filmmakers on August 29, 2024, stating that the film was granted a certificate of approval but no actual certificate was issued, after which they moved to the Bombay High Court. During the hearing, CBFC counsel contended that as the response of the filmmakers over the suggestions reached them only on August 14, the same was yet to be scrutinized by the examining committee and, as such, the issue of a certificate is not possible. The court has ordered the CBFC to make a final decision on certification before September 18, 2024.

Announcement from Kangana Ranaut

Kangana Ranaut took to social media to announce the delay. She shared her disappointment but assured fans a new release date will be announced soon.
The delay has built up the expectations for the movie 'Emergency', which deals with one of the most controversial historical periods in India. Fans are now waiting with bated breath for the CBFC's verdict and an announcement of its new release.

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