Religious sentiments cannot be hurt, government sources told while explaining why the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has postponed the release of Kangana Ranaut's upcoming biographical political drama "Emergency." The filmmakers had initially set the release date for September 6 without getting clearance from the board.
"Few religious organisations have raised concerns about this. Religious sentiments cannot be hurt. There is some sensitive content in the movie," the sources stated.
"The government is taking it seriously," they added.
The film, in which actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut is playing the role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, was slated to be released on September 6. However, its release date, deferred several times earlier, has been postponed again.
The postponement comes days after the BJP MP claimed that the film’s clearance was “halted” because the members of the CBFC received “threats.”
The controversy around the film began a few weeks ago, when a 2.43-minute trailer was released on August 14. In the trailer, Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, leader of the separatist Khalistan movement, has been depicted as a conniving person who promised to bring voters to Congress in exchange for a separate Sikh state.
Viewers of the trailer have also slammed the filmmakers for only showing one side of the story while neglecting important events such as the bombing of the Akal Takht Sahib and the deaths resulting from Operation Blue Star.
In response, the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) sent letters to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, urging a ban on the film's screening. The organisation alleges that the trailer "misrepresents the Sikh community" and fears the film could "incite hatred.".
Meanwhile, several Sikh organisations across India, including those in Punjab and Telangana, have called for a ban on the “Emergency” film.
