Just days before the highly anticipated premiere of her film “Emergency,” actor Kangana Ranaut has accused the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) of deliberately stalling its certification to delay the movie’s release. The film, in which Ranaut portrays former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, was scheduled to hit theaters on September 6. However, the release is now in jeopardy due to certification issues.
In a recent interview with Shubhankar Mishra on his podcast, Ranaut expressed frustration with the CBFC’s handling of her film. “An emergency has been imposed on my film too. It’s a very hopeless state. I’m quite disappointed in our country and whatever the circumstances are… How much will we keep getting scared?” Ranaut said. She vowed to take legal action if the CBFC does not provide clearance for the uncut version of the film. “I’ve made this film with a lot of self-respect which is why the CBFC can’t point out any contention. They’ve stalled my certificate, but I’m determined to release an uncut version of the film. I’ll fight in court and release an uncut version,” she added.
Sources indicate that the film’s release has been postponed because the makers have yet to receive the official certification from the CBFC. Despite a U/A certificate being listed on the CBFC’s website, the filmmakers have not received the physical copy of the certificate. Reports suggest that the film is undergoing multiple cuts due to ongoing pressure, a situation Ranaut is fighting to address.
On Monday, the Madhya Pradesh High Court is set to hear a petition from a Sikh organization seeking to halt the film’s release. Last week, Ranaut, who also serves as the film’s director, writer, and co-producer, claimed that contrary to rumors, her film has not been cleared by the CBFC. She alleged that there is pressure to remove depictions of the assassination of Indira Gandhi by her security guards.
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has sent a legal notice to the CBFC, requesting a halt to the film’s release. The party alleges that the film could “incite communal tensions” and “spread misinformation.” They contend that the trailer of the film contains “erroneous historical facts” that misrepresent the Sikh community and promote social discord.
As the legal and certification battles continue, the fate of “Emergency” remains uncertain, casting a shadow over the film’s premiere.
