In a recent development, the Bombay High Court, on September 4, 2024, heard an urgent petition concerning the soon-to-be-released film ‘Emergency’ directed by and starring Kangana Ranaut. The court, however, refused to compel the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to issue an immediate certification for the movie, thus leading to a significant delay in its release.
The Division Bench of Judges, Justice B.P. Colabawalla and Justice Firdosh Pooniwalla, clarified that they could not pass an order directing the CBFC to expedite certification. The reasoning was rooted in a prior directive from the Madhya Pradesh High Court on September 3. The Madhya Pradesh HC had mandated that the CBFC resolve the representations made by the Jabalpur Sikh Sangat— the petitioners objecting to the film and its trailer—before issuing a certificate.
The decision came amidst heightened anticipation surrounding ‘Emergency,’ which narrates a controversial period in Indian history and features Ranaut in the role of the country’s former Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi. The High Court’s resolution means that the film, initially slated for a September 6 release, will now face a two-week postponement.
The producer of ‘Emergency’ presented a strong case, asserting that the certification was ready but had not been officially issued. This claim was substantiated by the Division Bench, which noted that the CBFC’s excuse that the certificate wasn’t signed by the chairperson did not hold water once the certification was made available online to the filmmakers.
Despite this, the High Court refrained from directing the CBFC to grant the certification immediately, citing the Madhya Pradesh HC’s instructions. “We understand there is more happening behind the scenes, which we do not wish to comment on,” the bench stated. The CBFC has been instructed to consider the objections and make a decision by September 18, with another hearing set for September 19.
This case highlights the film industry’s frequent confrontations with certification bodies and the legal hurdles that can ensue. On September 3, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, which co-produced ‘Emergency,’ approached the Bombay High Court seeking a directive for the CBFC to issue the needed certificate. According to the petition filed, CBFC’s delay in issuing the certification, despite being informed about it on August 29, 2024, was arbitrary and illegal.
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Adding to the commotion, Kangana Ranaut accused the CBFC of intentionally stalling the certification to derail the film’s release. Ranaut’s statement on social media reflected her frustration over the bureaucratic red tape, especially given the proximity to the release date. The actor-turned-politician, who is also the film’s director and co-producer, voiced concerns that the CBFC’s actions were deliberately aimed at curbing the film’s timely release.
However, the troubles for ‘Emergency’ did not start recently. The film has been embroiled in controversy, particularly from Sikh organizations including the Shiromani Akali Dal. These groups have raised objections, alleging that the film misrepresents their community and distorts historical facts. The Jabalpur Sikh Sangat’s formal objections were critical in the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s decision to intervene, thereby complicating the film’s certification process.
This extended delay poses significant commercial implications for the filmmakers and involved entities. Postponing the release can affect box office performance, marketing strategies, and promotional campaigns planned in the lead-up to the original release date.
The legal and public scrutiny faced by ‘Emergency’ serves as a broader commentary on the complexities involved in creating biographical dramas in India. The intersection of history, community sentiments, and creative expression frequently leads to friction, as seen in various previous instances. Whether the film, when eventually released, justifies the controversy remains to be seen.
For now, ‘Emergency’ will have to wait until at least September 18 when the CBFC is expected to resolve the issues raised by the Jabalpur Sikh Sangat. The film industry and its patrons eagerly await the resolution, hoping that art will once again triumph over red tape.
With this delay, Kangana Ranaut’s latest project adds another chapter to the long history of films entangled in bureaucratic and legal complexities. As the date for the next hearing approaches, all eyes will be on the CBFC’s decision and its impact on the release of this highly anticipated biographical drama.
