In a significant development for Bollywood, actor-filmmaker Kangana Ranaut’s eagerly anticipated political drama ‘Emergency’ has hit a major roadblock at the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). In a video message posted on her social media platforms, Ranaut refuted circulating rumours that the film has received its certification for release. “This is not true. In fact, our film was cleared earlier, but its certification has been halted due to several threats,” she clarified.
‘Emergency,’ a thriller based on the controversial period of the 1975 Emergency in India, has been a subject of controversy even before its release. For the uninitiated, the Emergency was a tumultuous 21-month period when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi unilaterally declared a state of emergency across the country, curtailing civil liberties and detaining political opponents. This period remains one of the most debated chapters in Indian political history.
Kangana, who wears multiple hats as the lead actor, director, and Parliamentarian from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, revealed that both she and members of the Censor Board have been on the receiving end of threats. “This is not just about the film anymore. It’s about the freedom to express a part of our history,” emphasised Ranaut.
An increasing amount of pressure is being exerted to excise certain scenes from the movie. Notably contentious are scenes depicting the assassination of Indira Gandhi, the involvement of separatist leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, and the subsequent Punjab riots of 1984. These elements have raised eyebrows and generated significant opposition. “I don’t know what we will show then—just a blackout in the film? This is an unbelievable time for me, and I am sorry for the state of things in this country,” Kangana lamented.
Originally, ‘Emergency’ was scheduled for a release last October. However, due to the heightened tensions and unresolved certification issues, the release has been rescheduled to September 6. In a recent twist, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has served a legal notice to the CBFC. They demand a halt to the film’s release, alleging it could kindle communal tension and disseminate misinformation, especially concerning the portrayal of the Sikh community. These developments only add layers to the already complex and highly charged political drama surrounding the film.
Besides Kangana’s ‘Emergency,’ other industry updates are capturing headlines as well.
. Director Ali Abbas Zafar, the brain behind hits like ‘Sultan’ and ‘Tiger Zinda Hai,’ is making waves despite the underwhelming performance of his recent project ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan.’ Sources reveal that Zafar remains in the good books of his mentor, the renowned Aditya Chopra of Yash Raj Films. While specific projects are yet to be disclosed, the industry buzz suggests that they will focus on original content crafted for theatrical releases. Speculation is rife that ‘Super Soldier,’ featuring Katrina Kaif, could be one of their collaborative ventures.
Celebrating his 40th birthday, actor Rajkummar Rao treated his fans to a special surprise. The title and first look of his upcoming movie ‘Maalik’ have been unveiled. Directed by Pulkit, ‘Maalik’ sees Rao stepping into the shoes of a fierce gangster, a character archetype he has not yet explored. As the actor shares on social media, the film promises to be an intense thriller, with major shooting schedules planned across various locations in northern India.
Meanwhile, it appears that not all is rosy for action star Tiger Shroff. Following a string of box-office failures like ‘Heropanti 2,’ ‘Ganapath Part 1,’ and ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan,’ reports indicate that the production of his film ‘Hero No 1,’ directed by Jagan Shakti, has been indefinitely postponed. The project remains only 20 percent complete as Shakti shifts focus to another film with Ajay Devgn. Rising budgets and dwindling box-office returns, combined with Tiger’s high remuneration and associated costs, have rendered his projects financially unsustainable. As it stands now, ‘Baaghi 4’ remains the sole film on his docket.
In a gesture of solidarity, singer Shreya Ghoshal announced that she is postponing her concert in Kolkata following a heinous assault incident in the city. “I am deeply affected by the gruesome and heinous incident that recently took place in Kolkata. As a woman, the thought of the sheer brutality she must have endured is unthinkable and sends shivers down my spine,” Shreya expressed in a heartfelt message on her social media account. The concert, initially slated for September 14, has been rescheduled to a date in October. “It is absolutely imperative for me to take a stand and join you all in solidarity,” she concluded.
As the drama unfolds both on and off-screen, Bollywood continues to be a hotbed of excitement, controversies, and surprises.
