Kangana Ranaut has recently raised concerns regarding her upcoming film Emergency, alleging that it has yet to receive certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film, slated for release on September 6, 2024, appears to be caught in a bureaucratic limbo, which has prompted Kangana to express her determination to fight for its release, even if it means taking legal action. ALSO READ: Kangana Ranaut Plans To Invite Gandhi Family To Emergency’s Screening? Actress Says, ‘Hope They See The Film And Enjoy It’
In an interview with IANS, Kangana shared her frustrations, stating, "Hopefully, my film got cleared from the censor. And the day we were about to get the certificate, a lot of people did a lot of drama." She further elaborated that while she was initially confident about receiving the certification, unexpected hurdles have arisen, leaving her without the necessary clearance. Kangana criticized the censor board, claiming it has "become very hesitant" and reiterated her readiness to go to court if needed to protect her film and her rights as an individual. She emphasized the importance of portraying history accurately, despite potential backlash or threats. "We have to show the history... If they are going to suppress the voice of an artiste and my creative liberty… Some people have wielded their guns, and we are not afraid of guns," she asserted. ALSO READ: Kangana Ranaut On Getting Rape Threats Over Emergency Release: Meri Awaaz Nahi Daba Payenge
The timing of these challenges coincides with growing calls to ban Emergency. In Telangana, the film faces potential prohibition after a delegation from the Telangana Sikh Society, led by former IPS officer Tejdeep Kaur Menon, accused it of portraying the Sikh community as terrorists and anti-nationals. Additionally, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the Akhal Takht have demanded an immediate ban, claiming the film engages in "character assassination" of Sikhs by crafting a negative narrative against them.
Kangana initially announced Emergency in 2021, clarifying that while the film is a political drama, it is not a biopic of Indira Gandhi. Besides starring in the lead role, Kangana is also directing the film. The cast includes prominent actors such as Anupam Kher, who plays Jayaprakash Narayan; Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry, and Shreyas Talpade, who portrays Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The late Satish Kaushik will appear as Jagjivan Ram, the former Deputy Prime Minister of India.
Kangana’s battle to release Emergency highlights the tensions between creative expression and political sensitivities in India’s film industry. As she gears up for a potential legal confrontation, the fate of her film remains uncertain, with significant implications for both her career and the broader discourse on artistic freedom.
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