The Delhi unit of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has sent a legal notice to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), calling for a ban on the release of Kangana Ranaut’s upcoming film Emergency. The film, scheduled for release on September 6, has sparked controversy with allegations that it contains “erroneous historical facts” that misrepresent the Sikh community and could potentially incite communal tensions.
The legal notice, sent by advocate Manjeet Singh Chugh on behalf of SAD, accuses the film’s trailer of promoting hatred and social discord. The party claims that Emergency misleads the public and unfairly targets the Sikh community, rather than providing an accurate portrayal of historical events. The notice further demands that the CBFC revoke the certification granted to the film to prevent its release, emphasizing that the content could harm the social fabric of Punjab and the nation as a whole.
Chugh’s notice urges the CBFC to exercise its authority to block the film, arguing that while freedom of speech is important, it should not extend to content that threatens societal harmony. The SAD’s legal action highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the depiction of historical events in Indian cinema, particularly those involving sensitive topics such as the Emergency and the Sikh community.
In response to the controversy, Kangana Ranaut addressed the issue in a video message, revealing that both she and CBFC members have been receiving threats over the film. Ranaut mentioned that there is pressure not to depict the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her security guards, as well as other significant events like the involvement of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and the Punjab riots. She expressed her disbelief and sorrow over the situation, indicating that the film’s certification has been halted due to these threats.
The dispute over Emergency underscores the challenges filmmakers face when tackling contentious historical subjects, as well as the delicate balance between artistic freedom and the potential impact on communal relations. The outcome of the legal notice and the CBFC’s response will likely set a precedent for how such issues are handled in the future.
