Kangana Ranaut in legal trouble for 'misrepresenting' Sikhs in 'emergency': Kangana Ranaut controversy | India News

The move follows an August 21 demand made by the Akal Takht, the highest secular authority of Sikhism, and the SGPC, which called for a complete ban on the film. The organisations claim that Emergency seeks to “call Sikhs out”, a serious allegation that has fuelled calls for action.

SGPC calls for film ban

Expressing strong objections to the film, SGPC secretary Partap Singh revealed that the committee had written separate letters to the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), urging them to ban the film's release. Singh stated that SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami had ordered the issuance of a legal notice to the producers, including Ranaut, who is also the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from Mandi.

Singh further stated that after the release of the film's trailer, numerous “anti-Sikh scenes” were identified which had deeply offended the Sikh community. In response, SGPC president Dhami demanded registration of a First Information Report against Kangana Ranaut, who is listed as the writer, director, producer and lead actor of the film.

What is Kangana Ranaut’s film “Emergency” about?

The controversial trailer of 'Emergency' depicts key moments in the life of Indira Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India, including her entry into politics under the leadership of her father Jawaharlal Nehru and her handling of major national crises. The film touches on several historically significant topics, such as the Emergency period (1975-1977), the Shimla Accord, the rise of the Khalistan movement and the JP movement.

Produced by Zee Studios and Manikarnika Films, Emergency portrays one of the most turbulent periods in Indian political history. The film was originally scheduled to release on November 24, 2023, but was postponed several times. It is now scheduled to hit theaters next month.

Earlier this week, the film's producers released a song from the movie. Kangana Ranaut spoke about a song from the film, highlighting the impact of the political climate of the 1970s in India. She described how the Indian people rallied under the slogan 'Singhasan Khali Karo' and challenged the authority of Indira Gandhi's government. The song is meant to capture the emotional essence of that time of upheaval, which Ranaut says is still deeply rooted in the fabric of Indian politics.

The film's cast includes Anupam Kher, Mahima Chaudhary, Milind Soman, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair and the late Satish Kaushik. Emergency revolves around the controversial Emergency period imposed by Indira Gandhi, with Ranaut portraying the former Prime Minister.

The SGPC's lawsuit reflects general concerns within the Sikh community about the way historical events and figures are portrayed in the mass media. It remains to be seen how the producers of Emergency will respond to these allegations.

Kangana-Anaut’s growing political problems

This is the latest setback for Ranaut, who was recently reprimanded by her party for making derogatory remarks about the farmers' movement.

Ranaut reposted a video from an interview in which the MP from Mandi said: “During the farmers' protests against the three now repealed agricultural laws, corpses were hanged and rapes took place.”

Following the post, the BJP released a statement distancing itself from Ranaut. “On behalf of the BJP, Kangana Ranaut has been directed not to make any such statements in future… The BJP is committed to the pursuit of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas' and social harmony,” the statement said.

This statement comes as the party prepares for elections in Haryana, one of the centres of the farmers' protests. The assembly elections in Haryana are scheduled for October 1 and the counting of votes will take place on October 4.

First published: 28 August 2024 | 12:22 IS