Mumbai: In a significant development, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on Thursday assured the Bombay High Court that a certificate for Kangana Ranaut’s much-anticipated film “Emergency” would be granted, provided certain cuts recommended by its revising committee are implemented. This revelation brings some clarity to a controversy that has kept the biographical drama, which was originally scheduled to premiere on September 6, tangled in a prolonged tussle for its release.
Kangana Ranaut, who has not only directed and co-produced the film but is also playing the role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, pointed fingers at the CBFC, accusing it of deliberately stalling the certification process to delay the film’s release. The film is a biographical account focusing on the tumultuous period of the Emergency in India, a timeframe that has proven to stir strong emotions and reactions.
However, the film also found itself in the crosshairs of several Sikh organizations, including the Shiromani Akali Dal, which alleged that the film misrepresents the Sikh community and distorts historical events.
Last week, a division bench comprising Justices B P Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla sharply criticized the CBFC for its indecision on the certification. Stating that the board cannot sit idly, the High Court underscored that such indecision could equate to curtailing freedom of speech and expression. The court then mandated that the CBFC make a definitive decision by September 25.
Zee Entertainment Enterprises, the film’s co-producer, had approached the High Court seeking a directive for the CBFC to issue the required certificate. Acting on this plea, on Thursday, the bench inquired from the CBFC if there was any ‘good news’ for the movie. Responding, CBFC’s counsel Abhinav Chandrachud informed the court that the revising committee had concluded its review and recommended certain cuts before the film could be certified and released.
Senior counsel Sharan Jagtiani, representing Zee Entertainment, requested additional time to decide whether they could comply with the recommended cuts. Subsequently, the matter was scheduled for further hearing on September 30.
Zee Entertainment’s legal plea asserted that although the CBFC had prepared the certificate for the film, it had been deliberately withholding its issuance. Accusations have since emerged that the delay might be politically motivated, with Zee Entertainment suggesting that the board’s inaction could be tied to the forthcoming elections in Haryana.
This scenario led to some perplexity in the courtroom, especially considering Kangana Ranaut’s public alignment with the ruling BJP, as she is also a BJP Member of Parliament. The High Court bench expressed surprise over the possibility of the ruling party acting against one of its own.
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Adding to the complexity, Kangana Ranaut’s passionate involvement in the film extends beyond her role as an actor. As a director and co-producer, she has invested significant time and resources, only to face a substantial roadblock at the very threshold of release. In public statements, Ranaut has been forthright in accusing the CBFC of acting under external pressures aimed at stalling the film.
The contention surrounding the film is further compounded by objections from various Sikh organizations. They argue that the film misrepresents the Sikh community’s role and inaccurately depicts critical historical events. Given the sensitivity of the subject matter, such allegations add another layer of complexity to the CBFC’s decision-making process.
Last week, when the controversy first spilled into the judiciary, the division bench took a firm stance, reminding the CBFC of its responsibilities. The justices emphasized that any undue delay not only hampers the film’s release prospects but also infringes upon fundamental freedoms enshrined in the constitution.
During Thursday’s proceedings, when queried about the delay, CBFC’s counsel reiterated that the revising committee’s suggestions were crucial and that they were awaiting compliance from the filmmakers before proceeding with the certification. Senior counsel Sharan Jagtiani, speaking for Zee Entertainment, emphasized the need for a careful decision on the proposed cuts, necessitating the postponement of further hearings until the end of September.
The unfolding drama has captivated the public, with Zee Entertainment arguing that political machinations might be at play, particularly in light of impending elections. Allegations have been laid bare in court, suggesting that the CBFC’s hesitancy could be influenced by political factors. The bench, while adjudicating on the matter, expressed its bewilderment at why Kangana Ranaut, a prominent BJP figure, would face such hurdles from her own party’s governance structures.
As the next hearing approaches, the film’s fate hangs in the balance. Whether “Emergency” will make the recommended cuts and secure its certification remains a story of unfolding intrigue, mirroring the charged historical era it seeks to portray on screen. The public, eagerly awaiting the film’s release, must now wait until September 30 for more concrete developments.
