The Bombay High Court was informed on Thursday that actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut’s film Emergency could be released if the filmmakers implement certain cuts recommended by a panel. The film’s release, originally scheduled for September 6, has been delayed due to protests from Sikh groups who allege it misrepresents their community.
The Censor Board’s comments came in response to a plea from Zee Studios, one of the film’s co-producers, seeking the release of its censor certificate. Advocate Abhinav Chandrachud, representing the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), told Justices BP Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla that the revising committee had proposed several modifications to the film.
Advocate Sharan Jagtiani, representing Zee, presented a document outlining 11 required modifications, which include both cuts and insertions. The filmmakers will now decide whether to accept these changes or challenge them.
The court has adjourned the matter until September 30 (Monday).
Emergency is a biographical political thriller focusing on the life of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who imposed a 21-month period of Emergency from 1975 to 1977. The film is written, directed, and produced by Kangana Ranaut. On September 4, the Bombay High Court declined to compel the CBFC to issue a certificate for the film immediately.
Sikh organizations have expressed concerns regarding the film’s portrayal of their community and the accuracy of its historical representation, calling for a complete ban. These calls for a ban have gained momentum following Kangana Ranaut’s controversial comments about the farmers’ protests and the now-withdrawn three farm laws, which drew criticism even from the BJP, prompting the actor-politician to retract her statements.
