Emergency: Bombay HC Directs CBFC To Decide On Certification For Kangana Ranaut Film By September 25

The co-producers of Emergency, a film starring Kangana Ranaut, have informed the Bombay High Court that the movie is allegedly being blocked from release due to political interference from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The film, which is believed to touch on sensitive issues, is reportedly seen as “anti-Sikh,” prompting delays in its certification process by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

During a hearing, a division bench comprising Justices Burgess Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla was told that the CBFC is acting under political pressure to protect the BJP’s “overall interests.” According to Venkatesh Dhond, the lawyer representing Zee Studios, the certification board is deliberately delaying the film’s release until after the state elections in Haryana, scheduled for October this year.

The bench has now directed the CBFC to make a final decision on the film’s certification by September 25. The court emphasized that the board should be courageous in making its decision, even if it means blocking the film’s release.

The CBFC, however, requested additional time, citing the need for its revising committee to thoroughly evaluate the movie before issuing a certificate. Despite this, the Bombay High Court has made it clear that a decision on Emergency must be reached by the specified deadline, leaving the film’s future hanging in the balance.

Kangana Ranaut is not only starring in Emergency but also directing the highly anticipated political drama. The film features an ensemble cast, including Anupam Kher, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry, and Shreyas Talpade. Shreyas Talpade takes on the role of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, while Anupam Kher portrays political leader Jayaprakash Narayan. The late Satish Kaushik will also make an appearance as former Deputy Prime Minister Jagjivan Ram.

Despite the star-studded lineup and the film’s historical significance, Emergency has faced several calls for a boycott. Sikh organizations, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the Akal Takht, have raised concerns, alleging that the film portrays the Sikh community in a negative light. They have demanded an immediate ban, accusing the film of attempting to “character assassinate” Sikhs by pushing a biased narrative.

Initially, Emergency was set for release on September 6, but these controversies have placed the film’s future in question. Kangana Ranaut spoke about the film’s delay during News18 India’s Chaupal event. She said, “It is our history which has been intentionally hidden. We are not told about this. Bhale logo ka zamaana nahi hai,” Kangana said and then added, “My film is ready to be released. It has received certification from the censor board. 4 historians supervised our films. We have the proper documents. There is nothing wrong with my film. But some people call Bhindranwale a saint, revolutionary or a leader. They threatened via pleas (to ban her film). I have also received threats. Previous governments have declared Khalistanis as terrorists. He was not a saint who was sitting in a temple with an AK47.”