Chaos at UK cinema as Khalistani protesters halt 'Emergency' screening

London: A chaotic scene unfolded at Harrow Vue cinema in London on Sunday night when masked Khalistani protesters stormed the venue during a screening of the film Emergency. The group, which included men and a woman, shouted anti-India slogans, causing fear among the Indian diaspora members in the audience. They disrupted the screening, handing out leaflets about the Sikh genocide and pushing their way past cinema staff without tickets.

According to TOI reports, police arrived but made no arrests, citing the protesters' rights. Saloni Belaid, a British Indian who was at the cinema with her friends, recounted the unsettling experience. She described how the group of protesters spread throughout the cinema, creating a chaotic environment. "Ninety-five percent of the audience cleared out, while my friends and I stayed to confront them," she said. Despite the disruption, the police, who arrived at the scene, made no arrests, citing the protesters' right to demonstrate.

The incident led to the cancellation of the film, with most of the audience fleeing the theater in distress. The Sikh Press Association, which supports the protest, called the movie Emergency propaganda and justified the disruption. The statement also criticized the film's star, Kangana Ranaut, for her controversial rhetoric about the Sikh-Punjabi community, mentioning the 1984 Sikh genocide and its portrayal in the film. 

Ranaut, who is known for her outspoken views, responded on social media with a video expressing both gratitude and disappointment. Speaking in Hindi, she thanked the audience for their love and support but voiced her pain over the film's rejection in Punjab and the protests abroad. "In the industry, it was said that my films perform the best in Punjab. And today is a day when my film is not even allowed to be released in Punjab," she said. She also criticized the attacks on people in Canada and Britain, attributing them to "small-minded people" who are stoking tensions.

Meanwhile, the filmmakers have claimed an “impressive” start at the box office, with ‘Emergency’ reportedly grossing Rs 12.26 crores in its first weekend.