Kangana Ranaut’s highly anticipated directorial debut, Emergency, has faced an unexpected delay in its release. Initially set to hit theaters on September 6, the film’s premiere has been postponed due to ongoing legal and certification issues. The film, in which Ranaut portrays former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, has stirred significant controversy, leading to this setback.
On Friday, Ranaut took to social media platform X to announce the delay, stating, “With a heavy heart, I announce that Emergency has been postponed. We are still waiting for certification from the censor board. A new release date will be announced soon. Thanks for your understanding and patience.”
The Censor Board Hurdle
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is at the center of this delay. According to Kangana, while the film initially received clearance, the official certification was put on hold due to safety concerns. Ranaut clarified last week that rumours suggesting the film had already been certified were false. She explained that members of the censor board had received death threats, which delayed the certification process.
In response to these concerns, the Bombay High Court recently declined to order the CBFC to issue a certificate for Emergency, leaving the fate of the film in limbo. Zee Entertainment, one of the co-producers, had filed a petition with the court, accusing the CBFC of arbitrarily stalling the certification. Despite revisions submitted on August 14, and communication from the CBFC indicating that the certificate had been processed, the film is yet to receive its official clearance.
Controversy and Legal Battles
The delay is also tied to broader legal challenges. Sikh organisations, including the Shiromani Akali Dal, have voiced objections to the film, accusing it of misrepresenting historical facts and portraying the Sikh community in a negative light. These protests have led to legal action, with a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The petition argues that Emergency contains scenes that infringe on the fundamental rights of Sikhs. It demands an apology from Kangana Ranaut and damages to a Sikh charitable organisation.
The legal proceedings are ongoing, with the next hearing scheduled for September 19. Until the court provides further clarification, the release of Emergency remains uncertain.
What’s Next?
As of now, Kangana and her team are waiting for the CBFC certification and the outcome of the legal challenges. Ranaut expressed frustration over the delay but assured fans that the film will hit screens once all the hurdles are cleared. For now, the new release date of Emergency is yet to be confirmed, leaving the public eagerly awaiting further updates.
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