Mumbai: Before Kangana Ranaut’s highly anticipated film Emergency faced release delays due to controversy, it was approved for a ‘UA’ certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). However, this approval came with the condition of three edits and the requirement to provide factual sources for some historical quotes. These quotes included statements by US President Richard Nixon about Indian women and Winston Churchill’s comment on Indians “breeding like rabbits”.
A ‘UA’ rating means the film is suitable for viewing with parental guidance. The film was submitted for certification on July 8, and by August 8, weeks before Sikh groups called for a ban, the CBFC had listed 10 changes needed for approval.
Star-Studded Cast and Directorial Debut
Kangana Ranaut is not just playing the lead in Emergency but is also directing it. The film boasts a stellar cast including Anupam Kher, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry, and Shreyas Talpade among others. Shreyas Talpade will be seen portraying Atal Bihari Vajpayee, while Anupam Kher will take on the role of Jayaprakash Narayan. The late actor Satish Kaushik will also be featured as Former Deputy Prime Minister of India, Jagjivan Ram.
Protests and Calls for Ban
Despite the CBFC’s clearance, Emergency has been facing boycotts and calls for a ban. Several Sikh organizations have accused the film of presenting the community in a negative light. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the Akal Takht have demanded an immediate ban on the film, claiming it attempts to “character assassinate” Sikhs by creating a narrative against them.
The controversy surrounding Emergency highlights the challenges filmmakers face in balancing creative expression with historical accuracy and community sensitivities. As the film navigates these hurdles, audiences eagerly await its release to see how these issues are addressed on screen.
