New Delhi: Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut, famed for her dynamic roles in films such as ‘Krrish 3’ and ‘Manikarnika’, is amidst a tempest of controversy surrounding her forthcoming political drama, ‘Emergency’. The screenplay, centered on former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the tumultuous Emergency period of 1975, has incited significant backlash from the Sikh community, igniting demands for an outright ban on the film.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Akal Takht have united in their protest against ‘Emergency’, accusing the film of insulting Sikh sentiments with a deliberate attempt to malign the Sikh community. These organizations have escalated their objections by demanding the immediate filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against Kangana Ranaut, contending that the film engages in a ‘character assassination’ of Sikhs through negative portrayals.
SGPC Chief Harjinder Singh Dhami addressed the media during a press conference held on Wednesday. Dhami did not mince words, openly criticizing the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for what he termed as a ‘biased’ stance. He underscored his call for the inclusion of Sikh members in the censor board to safeguard the accurate representation of Sikh history and sentiments. Dhami’s statements reflect a broader concern within the community, one that echoes past grievances related to the misrepresentation of Sikhs in cinema.
Similarly, Gyani Raghbir Singh, the Jathedar (head) of Akal Takht, voiced his discontent, asserting that ‘Emergency’ disrespects the Sikh community and unjustly targets Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale, who is revered as a martyr by Akal Takht. Singh further lambasted the government for its inaction against Ranaut, urging the authorities to address what he perceives as an incitement to religious discord.
The controversy surrounding ‘Emergency’ has been ongoing since Kangana Ranaut announced the film in 2021. However, in response to the spiraling criticism, Ranaut clarified that the movie is a political drama, not a direct biopic of Indira Gandhi. It is worth noting that besides starring in the film, Ranaut also takes on the directorial reins. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Bollywood veterans like Anupam Kher, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry, and Shreyas Talpade. Talpade portrays Atal Bihari Vajpayee, while Kher enacts the role of Jayaprakash Narayan. The revered late Satish Kaushik is posthumously featured as Former Deputy Prime Minister Jagjivan Ram.
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Despite its ambitious narrative and star-studded lineup, ‘Emergency’ has encountered numerous setbacks, manifesting in multiple postponements from its initial release dates. As of now, the film is slated for a theatrical release on September 6, 2024.
Harjinder Singh Dhami revisited his criticism of the CBFC, advocating staunchly for the inclusion of Sikh representation in the film certification process. He emphasized the significance of a fair portrayal of Sikh history and culture, reflecting a longstanding demand for equitable representation in Indian cinema.
Echoing similar concerns, Gyani Raghbir Singh decried the content of ‘Emergency’, especially its portrayal of Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale. Singh condemned the government’s apparent indifference towards what he perceives as an inflammatory portrayal, urging immediate governmental intervention to curb the alleged slander of Sikh figures and sentiments.
Kangana Ranaut, who first disclosed her plans for ‘Emergency’ in 2021, reiterated that the narrative is firmly anchored in political drama and is not meant to serve as a straightforward biopic of Indira Gandhi. Her dual role as both lead actress and director adds an additional layer of complexity to the film’s production. The cast, featuring acclaimed actors Anupam Kher, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry, and Shreyas Talpade, with Talpade as Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Kher as Jayaprakash Narayan, aims to bring a rich historical tapestry to the silver screen. Posthumously, Satish Kaushik also enriches the cast as former Deputy Prime Minister Jagjivan Ram.
Initially intended for earlier releases, ‘Emergency’ has been beset by delays, extending its release schedule multiple times. Currently, the film is anticipated to premiere in theaters on September 6, 2024.
The persistent objections by Harjinder Singh Dhami and Gyani Raghbir Singh resonate strongly within the Sikh community, highlighting the entrenched concerns over the steady misrepresentation of Sikh culture in mainstream Indian cinema. These leaders continue to advocate for structural changes within the CBFC to ensure a balanced and respectful portrayal of all communities.
As ‘Emergency’ inches closer to its new release date, the film remains under scrutiny, with calls for a ban and legal action looming large. Whether the film will navigate its way through the sea of dissent to hit the silver screen remains to be seen, but the debate it has sparked touches upon broader issues of representation, respect, and cultural sensitivity within the arts.
