Actor-filmmaker Kangana Ranaut’s much-anticipated political drama, *Emergency*, is currently navigating troubled waters at the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). In a recent video message disseminated via her social media channels, Ranaut unequivocally dispelled rumors suggesting her film had been greenlit for release. “This is not true. In fact, our film was cleared earlier, but its certification has been halted due to several threats,” she stated, leaving fans and industry insiders in a state of disquiet.
*Emergency*, which is rooted in the tumultuous period of the 1975 Emergency in India, has incited a significant amount of controversy and backlash. Sections of the general public have actively protested against its content, which they argue is incendiary. Kangana, who dons multiple hats as both the lead actor and director of the film, also serves as a Parliamentarian from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. She has revealed that the threats extend not only to her but also to members of the Censor Board, heightening the sense of urgency and peril surrounding the film’s release.
The core of the contention revolves around certain pivotal scenes that have provoked ire and calls for censoring. Key among these disputed sequences are depictions of Indira Gandhi’s assassination, the insurgent activities of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, and the violent Punjab riots of 1984. “I don’t know what we will show then—just a blackout in the film? This is an unbelievable time for me, and I am sorry for the state of things in this country,” Kangana lamented, highlighting her frustration and disillusionment with the prevailing circumstances.
Initially slated for an October release last year, *Emergency* has seen its release date pushed to September 6 of this year, reflecting the protracted challenges it faces. The situation has been exacerbated by the recent legal maneuvers of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). The party has issued a legal notice to the CBFC, urging the board to delay the film’s release. Their petition argues that the film could stoke communal tensions and propagate misinformation, particularly in its portrayal of Sikh community events and figures.
Despite these formidable roadblocks, the film’s narrative and vision remain paramount to Kangana Ranaut, who has vowed to uphold artistic integrity against mounting pressure. What remains to be seen is how these threats and legal interventions will shape the future trajectory of *Emergency* and its eventual reception among audiences.
Shifting to the world of filmmaking, director Ali Abbas Zafar, despite experiencing a lukewarm response to *Bade Miyan Chote Miyan*, appears to retain the unflagging support of his mentor, Aditya Chopra. Ali, whose illustrious portfolio includes box-office hits like *Mere Brother Ki Dulhan* (2011), *Gunday* (2014), *Sultan* (2016), and *Tiger Zinda Hai* (2017)—all under the Yash Raj Films banner—is slated to return to collaborate with the prominent production house.
. While the specifics of their new projects remain under wraps, industry murmurs indicate that these ventures will be marquee, big-screen extravaganzas. Among potential projects, *Super Soldier* starring Katrina Kaif is speculated to be a frontrunner.
Meanwhile, Rajkummar Rao, the versatile acting powerhouse, celebrated his 40th birthday on a high note. The day was marked by the reveal of his upcoming film’s title and first look. Directed by Pulkit, Raj’s next cinematic outing is titled *Maalik*. Here, Rao transforms into a fierce gangster, a role uncharted for the actor thus far. The production is currently in full swing, with an ambitious shooting schedule set across various northern India locations. Taking to social media, Rao shared the film’s first look, accompanied by the caption, “Welcome to Maalik’s world. The shoot has begun, and we will meet soon.”
In other Bollywood developments, Tiger Shroff’s career appears to be on shaky ground following a series of box-office duds including *Heropanti 2*, *Ganapath Part 1*, and *Bade Miyan Chote Miyan*. According to reports, his project *Hero No 1* with renowned director Jagan Shakti has been indefinitely shelved, with only 20 percent of the film completed. Jagan is purportedly shifting focus to his next venture with Ajay Devgn. Moreover, concerns over the viability of budgets for Shroff’s films, coupled with his high remuneration demands and costly entourage, have compounded his woes. Currently, his only active project is *Baaghi 4*.
On a more somber note, singer Shreya Ghoshal has announced the postponement of her Kolkata concert in solidarity with recent assault victims in the city. In an emotional note on her social media platform, Ghoshal expressed her deep anguish over the heinous incident and declared her decision to reschedule her concert. Originally slated for September 14, the performance will now take place in October. “It is absolutely imperative for me to take a stand and join you all in solidarity,” she noted, resonating with many of her followers.
The unfolding drama in Bollywood reveals a landscape teeming with legal challenges, creative pressures, and personal tribulations, reflecting the complex interplay of art, politics, and societal values.
