New Delhi: The upcoming Bollywood political drama ‘Emergency’, directed by and starring the controversial actress Kangana Ranaut, is at the center of a burgeoning controversy. Known for her roles in notable films such as ‘Krrish 3’ and ‘Manikarnika’, Ranaut’s new venture has ignited a firestorm of criticism, particularly from the Sikh community.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Akal Takht have vehemently demanded an immediate halt to the film’s release, arguing that ‘Emergency’ intentionally seeks to tarnish the image of Sikhs. Accusations have been leveled that the film aims to ‘character assassinate’ members of the Sikh community by depicting them negatively, prompting these influential Sikh bodies to call for the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against Ranaut.
In a press conference held on Wednesday, SGPC Chief Harjinder Singh Dhami spared no words in condemning the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). He portrayed the CBFC as ‘biased’ and insistent on the inclusion of Sikh representatives on the censor board to ensure fairer judgment. Dhami expressed grave concerns that ‘Emergency’ misrepresents the Sikh community’s history and feelings, reminiscent of past discontent over Sikh portrayals in films.
On a similar note, Gyani Raghbir Singh, the Jathedar (head) of the Akal Takht, accused the film of disrespecting the Sikh community and dishonoring figures like Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale, who is venerated as a martyr by the Akal Takht. Singh criticized the government for its inaction against Ranaut and called on authorities to take measures against what he perceives as the incitement of religious sentiments.
The controversy revolves around ‘Emergency,’ a political drama set against the backdrop of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s governance during the 1975 Emergency period in India. Although Ranaut announced the project in 2021, she later clarified that the film is not a direct biopic of Gandhi but rather a dramatized account of the political turmoil of the era. The movie features prominent actors such as Anupam Kher, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry, and Shreyas Talpade, who portray various historical figures, including Jayaprakash Narayan and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The late Satish Kaushik also stars as Former Deputy Prime Minister Jagjivan Ram.
Initially slated for release much earlier, ‘Emergency’ has faced several delays and is now scheduled for a theatrical debut on September 6, 2024. This timeline, however, might be disrupted by the current outcry and legal proceedings instigated by Sikh organizations.
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The SGPC’s principal grievances rest on the perceived misrepresentation of Sikh history and the agitation for a more diverse and unbiased film certification process. Dhami reiterated that past films have often exhibited a skewed portrayal of Sikhs, perpetuating stereotypes and inaccuracies that have social, cultural, and religious ramifications. According to him, ‘Emergency’ is the latest addition to this troubling pattern. He argued for the representation of Sikh voices on the CBFC to mitigate future disputes of this nature and called for a revision of the board’s current composition.
Echoing Dhami’s sentiments, Gyani Raghbir Singh from the Akal Takht focused his critique on the portrayal of key Sikh figures in the film. He highlighted that Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale, revered within the Sikh community, is shown in a deprecatory light. This, Singh argues, is not only distasteful but also incendiary, given Bhindranwale’s status as a martyr. Singh warned that disrespect towards such historical figures could provoke social unrest and urged the government to intervene promptly.
Despite these allegations and demands, Kangana Ranaut has defended her film, emphasizing its nature as a political drama intended to explore a crucial period in Indian history. She has insisted that ‘Emergency’ is not an attack on any community but a nuanced look at a complex era.
Nevertheless, the film’s release hangs in the balance as the SGPC and Akal Takht maintain their stance on the need for an immediate ban and the filing of criminal charges against Ranaut. With the release date drawing near, both sides appear steadfast in their positions, setting the stage for a contentious legal and cultural battle.
As the controversy unfolds, the broader implications for Bollywood and its portrayal of historical and political narratives remain to be seen. The industry, often accused of bias and sensationalism, might find itself at an inflection point, and the outcome of this dispute could very well set a significant precedent. The film ‘Emergency’ might be facing its own real-life crisis before it even hits the silver screen.
