The Bombay High Court, on September 4, 2024, heard an urgent petition concerning the release of Kangana Ranaut’s much-anticipated film, ‘Emergency’, and decided not to direct the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to issue a certification immediately. The decision came as the movie faces objections over its portrayal of the Sikh community and historical facts.
The matter was addressed by a Division Bench of Judges, Justice B.P. Colabawalla and Justice Firdosh Pooniwalla. The judges examined the plea but emphasized that they could not issue a directive to the CBFC owing to an existing order from the Madhya Pradesh High Court dated September 3, 2024. The Madhya Pradesh HC had previously instructed the CBFC to consider representations made by the Jabalpur Sikh Sangat, who have raised objections to the film and its trailer.
Despite the arguments from the film’s producers that the certification was ready but withheld, the Bench adhered to the ruling from the Madhya Pradesh HC. It noted that the certificate, although ready for issuance online, had not been released by the CBFC due to the absence of the chairperson’s signature. This state of affairs was seen by the Bench as incorrect considering the certificate’s stage of preparation.
Justice Colabawalla remarked that the court would have directed the CBFC to issue the certificate on September 4 itself if it weren’t for the already pending order from the Madhya Pradesh HC. “We know that there is something else happening behind. We don’t want to comment on it,” the judges noted with an air of reservation. They instructed the CBFC to deliberate on the objections raised by the petitioners and come to a decision by September 18, with further hearings scheduled for September 19.
Initially scheduled for a September 6 release, ‘Emergency’ will now be delayed by at least two weeks due to the ongoing judicial and certification hurdles. The issue prompted Zee Entertainment Enterprises, a co-producer of the film, to file a petition seeking immediate certification from the CBFC. The filing stressed that the CBFC’s failure to provide the certification, despite assurances received by August 29, 2024, was both arbitrary and unlawful.
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Amid the escalating controversy, actor and director Kangana Ranaut, who portrays the role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and also co-produced the film, voiced her frustration. Late on September 2, 2024, Ranaut publicly accused the CBFC of intentionally stalling the certification process to delay the film’s release. “An emergency has been imposed on my film,” she lamented, drawing analogies to the emergency period portrayed in her biographical drama.
The film has drawn the ire of numerous Sikh organizations, including Shiromani Akali Dal, which claim that ‘Emergency’ misrepresents the Sikh community and distorts historical facts. The backlash has added layers of complexity to the certifying process, as the CBFC is now obligated to carefully consider the sensitivity of the portrayed content.
Kangana Ranaut is no stranger to controversy. The actor-turned-politician has a history of provocative roles and statements, often making headlines for her outspoken views. Her latest project, ‘Emergency’, has become a hotbed of discussions not just for its content but also for the protracted battle it faces even before hitting the screens.
As the situation stands, the CBFC is under a directive to resolve the objections and issue a certification by September 18. The ensuing days will be critical for ‘Emergency’, as the filmmakers and stakeholders await decisive actions from the regulatory body. A failure to address the concerns promptly may lead to further delays, complicating an already contentious film release schedule.
In conclusion, the Bombay High Court’s decision underscores the intricate balance between creative expression and societal sensitivities. The pending verdict from the CBFC and the subsequent hearing will determine if ‘Emergency’ sees the light of day without further legal entanglements.
With inputs from PTI, this is Mumbai’s legal landscape grappling with cinematic controversies. The unfolding scenario serves as a reminder of the continuing tensions between artistic freedom and cultural representation. As Kangana Ranaut’s ‘Emergency’ awaits its fate, the broader implications for future biographical dramas and their portrayals remain a point of debate and concern.
