Mumbai: In a significant development in the ongoing tussle between Kangana Ranaut’s film ‘Emergency’ and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the Bombay High Court was informed on Monday that the actor-producer has agreed to implement the modifications suggested by the censor board. This crucial agreement could potentially pave the way for the much-anticipated release of the movie, which has been entangled in controversies and delays.
A division bench comprising Justices BP Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla heard the petition filed by Zee Entertainment Enterprises, a co-producer of the film, seeking a directive for the CBFC to issue a certification for the movie. ‘Emergency,’ which Ranaut not only directed but also co-produced, features her in the lead role portraying former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
The movie was initially slated for a September 6 release. However, it hit a roadblock due to the CBFC’s non-issuance of the required certificate. The film’s release faced further complications when Sikh organizations, including the Shiromani Akali Dal, raised objections, accusing the film of misrepresenting their community and distorting historical facts.
During the Monday hearing, advocate Sharan Jagtiani, representing Zee Entertainment, conveyed that Ranaut had accepted the revisions advised by the CBFC. “The matter has been agreed and discussed between her (Kangana) and the CBFC,” Jagtiani informed the court. However, Zee Entertainment requested more time to finalize the details of the cuts to be made.
Ranaut’s Manikarnika Films, co-producing the movie with Zee Entertainment, has worked closely to address these changes. CBFC counsel Abhinav Chandrachud assured the court that the suggested cuts would minimally impact the film’s duration, stating that not even a minute would be shaved off from the final run time. “Most of the changes have been agreed upon by Manikarnika Films,” Chandrachud added.
Acknowledging the ongoing adjustments, the court adjourned the matter until October 3, urging both parties to finalize their positions and seek proper instructions.
Zee Entertainment, in its plea, contended that the CBFC had already prepared a certificate for ‘Emergency’ but was withholding its issuance. The company alleged that the delay was politically motivated and linked to the forthcoming elections in Haryana. The bench had previously expressed skepticism about why the ruling party would act against Ranaut, who herself is a Member of Parliament from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Adding to the drama, Kangana Ranaut had publicly accused the CBFC of deliberately stalling the certification process to thwart the film’s release.
. The biographical drama, by delving into contentious historical events, has attracted not just political scrutiny but also social ire.
The CBFC’s relationship with the film industry has long been contentious, with filmmakers often accusing the board of overreaching its authority and imposing politically biased decisions. This latest episode with ‘Emergency’ only adds to the growing list of conflicts where artistic expression battles regulatory oversight.
The controversy surrounding ‘Emergency’ began when Sikh organizations vehemently opposed the film’s depiction of historical events. The Shiromani Akali Dal, among other groups, claimed the movie took liberties with historical facts and presented the Sikh community inaccurately. This not only fueled communal tensions but also added pressure on the CBFC to meticulously scrutinize the film.
Kangana Ranaut’s portrayal of Indira Gandhi, a highly polarizing figure in Indian politics, has also drawn significant attention. Depicting the period of the Emergency (1975-1977), when civil liberties were suspended in India, the film tackles a particularly sensitive episode of the country’s history. Given the political overtones and the potential to stir public sentiment, the scrutiny surrounding the film has been intense.
Despite these challenges, Ranaut remains resolute. During press interactions, she has emphasized the importance of artistic freedom and the need to present historical narratives, however uncomfortable. “Our history is filled with pivotal moments that shaped our nation. We cannot shy away from them because they are controversial or politically sensitive,” she asserted.
As the October 3 court date approaches, all eyes will be on the developments between Manikarnika Films and the CBFC. The outcome could have broader implications for the film industry, potentially setting new precedents for how controversial films are handled by the certification authority.
The case also underscores the fragile interplay between politics and cinema in India, where films often become battlegrounds for larger cultural and political wars. Whether ‘Emergency’ will see a smooth release post-certification adjustments remains to be seen, but the saga highlights the persistent challenges filmmakers face in bringing contentious narratives to the screen.
As the high-stakes legal and political drama unfolds, movie enthusiasts and industry stakeholders alike await the hopeful release of ‘Emergency,’ which promises to be a compelling recount of a defining period in India’s history.
