Kangana Ranaut’s “Emergency” runs into trouble

The upcoming release of Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency has sparked a storm of indignation.

It was sharply criticised by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the Akal Takht.

They vehemently demanded an immediate ban on the film.

Kangana is accused of organising a campaign to defame Sikhs and spread a negative image against them.

In a press conference on June 21, 2024, SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami condemned the film.

He demanded legal action against Kangana Ranaut.

The SGPC chief pointed out a number of misrepresentations that had deeply hurt the sentiments of the Sikhs.

Dhami's plea for a ban was accompanied by sharp criticism of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which he described as “biased”.

He advocated the inclusion of Sikh representatives in the censorship board to ensure a fair and accurate portrayal of the community.

Echoing these views, Jathedar Gyani Raghbir Singh of the Akal Takht also condemned Emergency.

He branded it as a deliberate distortion of the Sikh character.

He accused Kangana Ranaut of disrespecting and defaming the Sikh community and particularly criticised the portrayal of Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale.

Singh stressed that the tragic events of June 1984 are still remembered in the community.

He stressed that Kangana's film allegedly tarnishes Bhindranwale's legacy and Sikh identity more broadly.

Singh expressed his dismay at the government's inaction despite Kangana's repeated derogatory remarks against the Sikhs.

He called on the authorities to hold Kangana accountable for inciting religious sentiments by Emergency.

Kangana Ranaut's Emergency has been the focus of anticipation and controversy since its launch in 2021.

However, Kangana clarified that the film does not belong to the genre of a biopic about the cult figure Indira Gandhi.

The versatile actress not only plays the lead role in the film, but also directs it.

Besides Kangana, this star-studded ensemble includes celebrated actors such as Mahima Chaudhry, Anupam Kher, Milind Soman and Shreyas Talpade.

Each of them is ready to bring their depth and charisma to the film's narrative.

Shreyas is set to play the role of the revered Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Meanwhile, Anupam follows in the footsteps of the famous Jayaprakash Narayan.

The late Satish Kaushik portrays former Deputy Prime Minister of India, Jagjivan Ram.

It is his last film appearance after his death in March 2023.

Kangana Ranaut’s film is scheduled to release on September 6, 2024.