Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency Needs Cuts for Release, CBFC Tells Bombay HC; Zee Studios to Review

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) informed the Bombay High Court on Thursday that Kangana Ranaut’s film Emergency will only be cleared for release if specific cuts, as recommended by the CBFC’s revising committee, are made. This response came in relation to a plea by Zee Studios, co-producer of Emergency, requesting the release of the censor certificate. The film, initially set to release on September 6, was postponed following protests from Sikh groups, who allege the film misrepresents their community.

Advocate Abhinav Chandrachud, representing the CBFC, told Justices BP Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla that the CBFC’s revising committee suggested some cuts for Emergency. Advocate Sharan Jagtiani, speaking for Zee Studios, shared a document listing 11 changes, including cuts and insertions, that need to be made before the film’s release. Now, it’s up to the filmmakers to either accept these changes or challenge them. The High Court has a adjurned he matter to Monday, September 30.

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.

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.”