The release of Kangana Ranaut's political drama Emergency, in which she portrays former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, has been postponed, with government sources citing concerns over religious sensitivities. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) delayed the film's clearance after religious organizations raised objections about certain content they found offensive.
Sources told India Today that these concerns are being taken seriously, with the CBFC stepping in to address the issue. The film was initially set for release on September 6 but has faced multiple delays, with this being the latest due to heightened tensions.
The controversy first emerged after the release of the film's trailer on August 14, which depicted Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a leader of the Khalistan movement, as a manipulative figure. This portrayal, along with the film's handling of sensitive historical events such as Operation Blue Star, has sparked outrage among some Sikh groups. Critics have accused the filmmakers of showing a one-sided narrative and neglecting important aspects of the history.
The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) and other Sikh organizations across India, including those in Punjab and Telangana, have called for a ban on the film. They have expressed fears that the film could misrepresent the Sikh community and potentially incite hatred.
With mounting pressure from religious groups and political leaders, the film's release has been deferred once again, and no new date has been announced yet.