Kangana Ranaut defies censor board, plans to release uncut version of 'Emergency'

Mumbai: The release of bollywood film Emergency, directed by and starring Kangana Ranaut, remains uncertain amid controversy and censorship issues. The film, in which Ranaut portrays Indira Gandhi, has faced delays due to objections from some Sikh groups who claim the film portrays Sikhism negatively. As a result, the  Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has withheld the film’s certification.

Representatives of the Sikh community have called for the complete withdrawal of the film, arguing that it unfairly depicts Sikhism. In response, Kangana Ranaut and her team are working to resolve these issues and aim to release the film in theatres within the next ten days. The actress has expressed her frustration with the situation, citing both censorship hindrances and death threats as factors contributing to the delay.

In a statement to the national media, Kangana expressed her determination to release the film without further delay. She also announced her intention to release an unedited version of the film. "An Emergency has been imposed on my film now. It's a terrible situation. I am very disappointed with our nation and how things are unfolding here," Kangana said.

The actress noted that Emergency is not the first film to depict the emergency period, pointing out that previous films like Madhur Bhandarkar’s Indu Sarkar and Meghna Gulzar’s Sam Bahadur had portrayed similar events without significant backlash. Kangana questioned why the Censor Board had initially issued a certificate only to revoke it later after receiving petitions from a few individuals.

In an interview on Shubhankar Mishra's podcast, Kangana reiterated her commitment to releasing an uncut version of the film. She emphasised, "I've made this film with a lot of self-respect, which is why the CBFC can't point out any contention. They've stalled my certificate, but I'm determined to release an uncut version of the film. I'll fight in court and release an uncut version." 

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee has labelled Emergency as an "anti-Sikh film," with President Harjinder Singh Dhami accusing Kangana of deliberately provoking Sikh sentiments. Dhami has also questioned the composition of the Censor Board and called for a Sikh member to be included on the board.