Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut, known for her roles in movies such as ‘Krrish 3’ and ‘Manikarnika’, has found herself at the center of a storm brewing over her upcoming political drama, ‘Emergency’. The film, which delves into the tumultuous political period under the reign of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during the 1975 emergency, is now being accused of derogatory representations that hurt Sikh sentiments.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) along with Akal Takht have voiced strong objections, calling for an outright ban on ‘Emergency’. These organizations have argued that the film deliberately attempts to malign the Sikh community and have gone so far as to demand the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against Ranaut. They allege that the portrayal of Sikhs in the movie serves to ‘character assassinate’ them by placing them in a negative light.
In a press conference held on Wednesday, SGPC Chief Harjinder Singh Dhami detailed the grievances against the film. Criticizing the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for what he described as bias, Dhami also advocated for the introduction of Sikh representatives on the censor board. He expressed deep concern that ‘Emergency’ distorts Sikh history and disregards the sensitivities of the Sikh community, reiterating long-standing complaints about the depiction of Sikhs in cinema.
Echoing these sentiments, Gyani Raghbir Singh, Jathedar (head) of the Akal Takht, minced no words in his condemnation of the film. He accused ‘Emergency’ of disrespecting the community and specifically targeting Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale, who stands as a martyr in the eyes of the Akal Takht. Singh lambasted the government for their perceived inaction against Ranaut and issued a fervent plea to authorities to address what he interprets as a breach of religious sentiments.
Ranaut announced the project ‘Emergency’ back in 2021. However, she later clarified that the film is more of a political drama rather than a direct biopic of Indira Gandhi. Demonstrating her multifaceted talent, Ranaut not only stars in the film but also takes on the role of director. The ensemble cast includes well-known names such as Anupam Kher, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry, and Shreyas Talpade. Anupam Kher is set to portray Jayaprakash Narayan, while Shreyas Talpade will slip into the role of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The late Satish Kaushik will make his posthumous appearance as former Deputy Prime Minister Jagjivan Ram.
While ‘Emergency’ was initially slated for earlier releases, the film has seen multiple postponements.
. Now, it is slated for a theatrical release on September 6, 2024.
Dhami, in his capacity as SGPC Chief, reiterated a need for inclusive representation on the CBFC board. He highlighted the long-overdue necessity for a balanced perspective, essentially demanding that Sikh voices be included to address and rectify the recurrent misrepresentation of their history and sentiments in cinema. According to Dhami, ‘Emergency’ is just another in a long line of films that have failed to appropriately capture Sikh narratives, hence generating unnecessary controversy and discontent.
Supporting Dhami’s claim, Gyani Raghbir Singh, who is the head of the prestigious Akal Takht, provided further assertions against ‘Emergency’. He emphasized that depicting Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale in a negative light not only disrespects the individual’s sacred memory but also stokes tensions within the community. Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale remains a polarizing figure, considered a martyr by some and a separatist leader by others. The Jathedar pointed an accusing finger at the governmental authorities for allegedly turning a blind eye to what he perceives as a direct attack on the religious sentiments of Sikhs.
While Ranaut’s intention with ‘Emergency’ was firmed up in 2021, she has been quick to clarify its thematic focus. She insists that the project should be perceived as a gripping political drama and not a linear biographical account of Indira Gandhi. In addition to being the director, Ranaut occupies a central on-screen role in the project.
Supplementary talent joining the ‘Emergency’ venture includes seasoned actors such as Anupam Kher and Milind Soman. Mahima Chaudhry and Shreyas Talpade also feature prominently. In particular, Shreyas Talpade’s role as Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Anupam Kher’s portrayal of Jayaprakash Narayan has generated significant anticipation. The late Satish Kaushik’s portrayal of former Deputy Prime Minister Jagjivan Ram also adds a poignant angle to the movie’s impressive cast lineup.
Despite the early anticipation and subsequent postponements, the team behind ‘Emergency’ has now circled September 6, 2024, for the film’s grand release.
As the standoff between the film’s creators and Sikh community leaders continues to escalate, all eyes are on the potential for dialogue or further governmental intervention. Until then, the controversy surrounding ‘Emergency’ amplifies a broader discussion on the ethical responsibilities filmmakers bear in the portrayal of historical and religious narratives.
