Mumbai: Kangana Ranaut’s highly anticipated directorial venture, Emergency, has faced a significant setback. The film’s release has been postponed indefinitely due to escalating controversies and threats directed at the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) members.
Kangana Ranaut Speaks Out on Social Media
In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), Kangana Ranaut addressed the rumors surrounding the film’s certification. “There are rumors that our film, Emergency, has been granted a Censor certificate. This is not true. Our film had been cleared, but certification had been stopped because many threats were coming in. Death threats. The Censor Board members are getting threats. We are under pressure not to show the assassination of Indira Gandhi, not to show Bhindranwale, not to show the Punjab riots. I don’t know what will be left to show then… This is unbelievable for me and I am very sorry for the state of things in this country,” she said.
Controversy Over the Trailer
The controversy began when the trailer for Emergency was released a few weeks ago. It depicted Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a Khalistan leader, pledging support to Indira Gandhi’s party for a separate Sikh state. This portrayal angered the Shiromani Akali Dal in Delhi, which subsequently sent a legal notice to the CBFC, demanding the film’s halt.
CBFC’s Response
A source close to the CBFC, quoted by The Indian Express, mentioned that the certification process could take time due to the film’s sensitive nature. “We have nothing to do with the film’s release date. That has been announced beforehand, before the grant of certification,” said a government officer on the condition of anonymity.
About the Film
Emergency is a political drama that delves into the life of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Kangana Ranaut not only directs the film but also stars as Indira Gandhi. The film features a stellar cast, including Shreyas Talpade as former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Anupam Kher as Jayaprakash Narayan, Mahima Chaudhry as cultural activist and Indira Gandhi’s confidante Pupul Jayakar, and Milind Soman as Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw.
Awaiting a New Release Date
Initially slated for release in 2023, Emergency was postponed to June 14, 2024, but has now been delayed again due to ongoing controversies. The filmmakers have yet to announce a new release date.
