Kangana Ranaut calls protests against 'Emergency' a harassment, defends film amid calls for a ban

Mumbai: Filmmaker-actress Kangana Ranaut has hit back at critics of her latest film, "Emergency," following calls for its ban in Punjab. Reacting to the protests, Kangana said, "This is complete harassment of art and the artist. From Punjab, many cities are reporting that these people are not allowing 'Emergency' to be screened."

She went on to emphasise, "I have utmost respect for all religions, and after studying and growing up in Chandigarh, I have closely observed and followed the Sikh religion. This is a complete lie and propaganda to tarnish my image and harm my film #Emergency."

Protests erupt in Punjab ahead of film’s release

The film, which revisits the contentious period of the 1975 Emergency declared by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, has faced strong opposition across Punjab. Various Sikh organisations, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), have demanded a ban, claiming the film "tarnishes the image of Sikhs and distorts history."

A tweet from the SGPC declared, "We demand a ban on the film in Punjab, which is scheduled to release on January 17, 2025."

Local authorities take action

In response to these calls, the local administrations of Patiala, Amritsar, and Bathinda have halted the screenings of "Emergency," fearing the film's content could incite unrest. Authorities are prioritising the maintenance of peace in the wake of the ongoing controversy.

Political leaders back the ban

Congress leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira has publicly supported the SGPC's demand. On X (formerly Twitter), he shared the SGPC's letter and stated, "I support the demand of @SGPCAmritsar to ban the film 'Emergency' directed by @KanganaTeam, a known critic of farmers and Sikhs without knowing their contribution towards our country." He further urged Punjab’s Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to take immediate steps to stop the film's release, citing concerns over its portrayal of Sikhs.