New Delhi: Renowned Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut, known for her iconic performances in films like ‘Krrish 3’ and ‘Manikarnika’, finds herself embroiled in significant controversy due to her forthcoming political drama, ‘Emergency’. The film delves into the tumultuous era of 1975 under former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s regime, yet it has come under severe scrutiny for allegedly hurting Sikh sentiments.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the Akal Takht have taken a firm stance against the movie, urging an outright ban. They argue that the film aims to tarnish the image of the Sikh community intentionally. In addition to this, they have called for a First Information Report (FIR) against Ranaut, maintaining that the movie’s depiction is a calculated attempt to ‘character assassinate’ Sikhs by portraying them negatively.
In a press conference held on Wednesday, SGPC Chief Harjinder Singh Dhami lashed out at the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), accusing it of exhibiting ‘bias’. Dhami suggested the inclusion of Sikh members in the censor board to ensure a more balanced review process. Expressing his apprehensions, Dhami stated that the film distorts Sikh history and has the potential to evoke past grievances over how Sikhs have been portrayed in the cinematic world.
Echoing similar sentiments, Gyani Raghbir Singh, the Jathedar (head) of the Akal Takht, castigated the movie for purportedly disrespecting the Sikh community. Singh emphasized that the character of Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale, who is revered as a martyr by the Akal Takht, has been unjustly targeted in ‘Emergency’. Singh further criticized the government’s inaction against Ranaut, urging officials to counter what he perceives as incitement of religious sentiments.
Kangana Ranaut had announced ‘Emergency’ back in 2021, addressing initial concerns by clarifying that the film is a political drama rather than a direct biopic of Indira Gandhi. However, this clarification has done little to assuage the concerns of the Sikh organizations. Ranaut not only plays a pivotal role in the film but is also at the helm as its director. The ensemble cast includes prominent actors such as Anupam Kher, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry, and Shreyas Talpade. Talpade plays Atal Bihari Vajpayee while Kher enacts Jayaprakash Narayan. The late Satish Kaushik is featured in the role of Former Deputy Prime Minister Jagjivan Ram.
The film’s journey has been fraught with delays, being postponed multiple times before finally being slated for a theatrical release on September 6, 2024.
. This delay has only fueled the ongoing debates surrounding the film.
The SGPC and Akal Takht’s call for a ban hinges on the belief that ‘Emergency’ deliberately undermines the Sikh community. They posit that portraying Sikhs in a negative light disrupts communal harmony. Addressing the media, SGPC Chief Harjinder Singh Dhami criticized the CBFC as being ‘biased’ and suggested integrating Sikh members to provide an impartial viewpoint. He conveyed genuine concerns that the movie could misrepresent Sikh history and sentiments, resurfacing previous disputes regarding the portrayal of Sikhs in films.
Gyani Raghbir Singh was equally vocal about his disapproval. He asserted that ‘Emergency’ targets Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale, a highly venerated figure within the Sikh community. Singh accused the government of negligence by not taking requisite actions against Ranaut, encouraging officials to tackle what he views as deliberate provocation.
Ranaut’s previous announcement setting ‘Emergency’ apart as a political drama has failed to quell the growing apprehensions. Her dual role as lead actress and director is accentuated by a compelling cast comprising Anupam Kher, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry, and Shreyas Talpade. Talpade’s portrayal of Atal Bihari Vajpayee paired with Kher’s rendition of Jayaprakash Narayan adds to the film’s ensemble, along with the late Satish Kaushik’s depiction of Former Deputy Prime Minister Jagjivan Ram.
Initially intended for an earlier release, the much-anticipated film’s release date has been postponed to September 6, 2024. These deferrals have not mitigated the rising tensions but have instead added to the anticipation surrounding the movie.
In sum, Kangana Ranaut’s ‘Emergency’ has evoked considerable criticism and censure from Sikh organizations. The SHPC and Akal Takht’s demand for a ban and FIR against Ranaut underscores the ongoing conflict. The resolutions put forth by both bodies are aimed at ensuring that Sikh historical narratives and sentiments are respectfully portrayed in the cinematic sphere. The eventual reception of ‘Emergency’, set to release in September 2024, remains to be seen.
