Actress and filmmaker Kangana Ranaut has spoken out regarding the delay of her latest movie Emergency, initially set for release on September 6, 2023. The postponement was attributed to pending certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and objections raised by Sikh organizations, who allege that the film portrays the Sikh community negatively.

During an event in New Delhi on Monday, Ranaut defended her film, asserting that the opposition is limited to a small group. She strongly criticized those defending Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a controversial figure from the Punjab insurgency, describing him as a terrorist.

“Some people have an objection to my movie. They defend Bhindranwale, calling him a saint or revolutionary. But he was not a saint; he was a terrorist. Our history has been hidden from us, and we need to confront it,” Ranaut said. She further emphasized that her film has undergone thorough historical review, with four historians supervising the script to ensure accuracy. “There is nothing wrong with my film. It has been certified by the censor board, and we have the proper documents.”

The actress expressed frustration over the postponement of Emergency, which has led to financial losses. “I never imagined people would object to Bhindranwale being depicted as a terrorist. It’s embarrassing, and we’ve faced significant losses. The film’s release was cancelled just four days before its scheduled date,” she said.

Emergency, which chronicles the events of the 1975 Emergency period in India, is directed by Kangana Ranaut, who also stars as the lead character. The film features an ensemble cast, including Anupam Kher as Jayaprakash Narayan, Shreyas Talpade as Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Milind Soman as Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. The late actor Satish Kaushik will also appear in the film, portraying former Deputy Prime Minister Jagjivan Ram.

Despite receiving certification from the CBFC, the film has faced boycott calls and legal petitions, with organizations such as the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the Akhal Takht demanding a ban. These groups claim that Emergency distorts history and maligns the Sikh community.

Ranaut, however, remains steadfast in her defense. “I don’t believe that 99 percent of the people of Punjab consider Bhindranwale a saint. He was declared a terrorist by previous governments, and if that’s the case, my film should be allowed to release.”

As the controversy surrounding Emergency continues, the fate of its release remains uncertain. Despite the challenges, Ranaut expressed confidence in the film’s historical accuracy and her right to tell the story.