Kangana Ranaut, a prominent figure in Bollywood, has recently found herself at the center of severe controversy and threats as her soon-to-be-released film, ‘Emergency,’ has drawn significant ire from the Sikh community. The film, reportedly portraying the Sikh community in a negative light, has led to a chorus of demands for its immediate ban by influential Sikh authorities, including the Akhal Takht and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).
Prominent Sikh leaders have raised the alarm over what they describe as an attempt to “character assassinate” their community through the narrative purportedly presented in ‘Emergency.’ The film’s critical depiction has sparked outrage, resulting in substantial social media backlash and escalating to death threats aimed at the actress and filmmaker herself.
Emergency’ is set against the backdrop of the Emergency period in India during 1975, a controversial epoch in the country’s history, and explores the tenure of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The politically charged film features an ensemble cast with Kangana Ranaut in the lead role, joined by acclaimed actors such as Anupam Kher, Mahima Chaudhary, Milind Soman, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, and the late Satish Kaushik. The storyline intended to unpack this tumultuous period has instead garnered disapproval due to its portrayal of sensitive historical issues related to the Sikh community.
A video circulating on social media exponentially fueled the controversy when Sikh men from Maharashtra vociferously condemned the film. The video shows a Sikh man from Maharashtra speaking partly in Marathi, vehemently warning, “Aap ye picture release karte ho toh sardaaron ne aapko chappal maarni hai. Laafa toh aapne kha liya. I’m a very proud Indian. If I spot you anywhere in my country and Maharashtra, I’m saying this, not just as a Sikh and a proud Marathi, but all my Hindu, Christian, and Muslim brothers will also welcome you with chappals.” This aggressive sentiment echoes the broader feeling of disenchantment and perceived insult within the Sikh community.
The same video features Punjabi influencer Viky Thomas Singh, who elaborates, “History cannot be changed. If they portray Sikhs as terrorists in the film, fir yaad rakhna jiska movie kar rahi hai uska kya scene hua tha. Remember who Satwant Singh and Beant Singh were. Jo hume ungli karte hai, vo ungli hi chatka dete hai hum.
… Agar hum sar katwa sakte hai toh sar kaat bhi sakte hai.” His impassioned response warns of significant repercussions if the negative portrayal continues.
Reacting to these threats, Kangana Ranaut took to X, previously known as Twitter, to highlight the situation and call for intervention. She tagged various police departments, writing, “Please look into this @DGPMaharashtra @himachalpolice @PunjabPoliceInd,” sharing the disconcerting video with her message.
Amidst this unfolding drama, the Akhal Takht, revered as the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs, along with the SGPC, has officially demanded the film’s ban. Their stance is fortified by SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami’s public reprimand and a firm call for registering an FIR against Kangana Ranaut. The SGPC argues that the content released from the film portrays Sikhs in an unjust and vilifying manner, fostering an anti-Sikh narrative that clouds historical events particularly that of the June 1984 incidents.
Gyani Raghbir Singh, the Jathedar of the Akal Takht, has vociferously criticized the film’s portrayal, arguing that it deliberately misleads and misrepresents Sikhs as separatists. Singh termed this as part of a deeper, malicious conspiracy to defame their community, branding such acts as “despicable disrespect.” He underscored the lasting scars of the 1984 anti-Sikh brutality, and the perceived character assassination of Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale—a revered figure declared as a Qaumi Shaheed by Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
The mounting demands for banning ‘Emergency’ coincide with the scheduled release date on September 6, 2024. Whether the film breaches historical credibility or oversteps artistic freedom remains to be debated. But the prevailing tensions underscore a critical intersection of religion, history, and the potent medium of cinema. As the dialogues and contestations evolve, the wider public and officials will keenly observe how these churning controversies might influence or curb cinematic narratives that brush against the complexities of communal sentiments.
