Actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut has announced that her much-anticipated directorial debut, “Emergency,” is facing an unexpected postponement. The political drama, which is both written and co-produced by Ranaut, was originally scheduled to hit theaters across India this Friday. However, it has met with delays due to pending certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), with the matter now awaiting resolution in court.
In a heartfelt post on social media platform X, the BJP Member of Parliament from Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi constituency expressed her disappointment over the situation. “With a heavy heart, I announce that my directorial ‘Emergency’ has been postponed. We are still waiting for certification from the censor board. A new release date will be announced soon. Thanks for your understanding and patience,” wrote Ranaut.
The movie, in which Ranaut portrays the late former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, has found itself embroiled in controversy. Earlier this week, Ranaut accused the CBFC of deliberately stalling the certification process to delay the film’s release.
The film’s troubles escalated when various Sikh organizations, including the Shiromani Akali Dal, criticized “Emergency” for allegedly misrepresenting the Sikh community and distorting historical facts. These objections have only made the certification process more complex.
This controversy reached new heights when, on Wednesday, the Bombay High Court declined to offer any immediate relief after the Madhya Pradesh High Court directed the CBFC to consider the submitted objections before issuing certification. This legal tangle has further delayed the movie’s release, adding to the stress and uncertainty surrounding the project.
The political period drama, set against the backdrop of the Emergency period in India, is produced by Zee Entertainment Enterprises. Alongside Kangana Ranaut, the film also stars a formidable lineup of actors, including Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, Mahima Chaudhry, and Milind Soman in pivotal roles.
Ranaut’s portrayal of Indira Gandhi was one of the film’s most discussed features. Given her established presence in the film industry and her foray into politics, many expected “Emergency” to offer a unique and nuanced account of one of India’s most controversial political eras.
.
Fans and critics alike have expressed mixed feelings about the postponement. While some are frustrated by the delay, others are willing to wait for what promises to be a provocative and compelling storytelling venture. Despite the challenges, Ranaut remains committed to bringing her vision to the screen.
This is not the first time that Ranaut has found herself at the center of a media storm. Known for her fearless approach to both her acting career and political engagements, Ranaut has never shied away from controversy. Her portrayal of Indira Gandhi, a figure equally polarizing and revered, adds another layer to the film’s anticipated impact.
The postponement of “Emergency” highlights ongoing issues within the Indian film certification process. Movies with politically sensitive content often find themselves under heavy scrutiny, leading to delays and controversies. Despite the legal and procedural hurdles, filmmakers like Ranaut push boundaries to bring their creative visions to life, facing the double challenge of artistic expression and regulatory approval.
In her social media post, Ranaut thanked her followers and the movie’s prospective audience for their understanding and patience. She reassured them that the team is working tirelessly to resolve the issues and slated the release as soon as possible. “Our journey doesn’t end here,” she added, expressing hope that the film will eventually make its way to the audience without compromising its narrative essence.
The film’s producer, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, remains optimistic about navigating through the challenges and is in continuous dialogue with the CBFC to address the objections. The production house also expressed support for Ranaut and the cast, hoping that the film’s postponed release will eventually turn into a successful launch.
The industry waits with bated breath for the new release date of “Emergency.” It remains to be seen how the resolution of the certification process, as well as the handling of the various objections, will shape the final cut of the movie. Meanwhile, Ranaut’s fans continue to show solidarity, eagerly awaiting to see her take on one of India’s most turbulent political chapters.
Published – September 06, 2024 04:06 pm IST
