Kangana Ranaut's film 'Emergency' sparks protests across Punjab; SGPC, Sikh bodies protest movie release
SGPC has accused the film of distorting historical facts and hurting Sikh sentiments
PTC Web Desk: Bollywood actor and BJP MP from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, Kangana Ranaut’s much-anticipated film 'Emergency' hit theaters on Friday but has faced stiff resistance from Sikh organisations, especially the Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak committee, in Punjab. Protests erupted outside cinemas in Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, and Mohali, leading to the suspension of shows. Currently, the film is not being screened anywhere in these cities.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has accused the film of distorting historical facts and hurting Sikh sentiments. SGPC president Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami had earlier written to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, urging a ban on the movie in the state.
Advocate Dhami alleged that the portrayal of the Sikh community during the 1975 Emergency period is inconsistent with historical records and misrepresents their struggles and sacrifices. He also alleged that the film casts the Sikh community in a negative light, ignoring their contributions and historical importance.
However, Kangana Ranaut dismissed the allegations, saying the film does not insult the Sikh community. She said Emergency film was based on historical facts and aimed to depict the truth of the Emergency era under then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's leadership.
The film was earlier banned in Bangladesh following the release of its initial trailer, which depicted events from the turbulent period of terrorism in Punjab alongside the Bangladesh Liberation War. In response, scenes involving Operation Blue Star, terrorism, and Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale were omitted in the new trailer.
The Punjab Government has not yet issued an official statement on the matter. However, AAP state president Aman Arora remarked that any action disrupting Punjab's peace and harmony would not be tolerated. He noted that the decision to impose a ban lies with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
The controversy began on August 14, 2024, with the release of the film’s first trailer, which showed scenes of Sikhs firing weapons. Sikh organisations, including the SGPC, and independent MP from Faridkot, Sarabjit Singh, raised objections, alleging that the trailer sought to portray Sikhs as terrorists.
Initially slated for release on September 6, 2024, the film faced delays due to objections raised by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). A revised trailer, released last month, excluded contentious scenes depicting Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and the Sikh community in a controversial light.
Despite these changes, Sikh organizations remain steadfast in their demand for a statewide ban on the film.