What will it take for Kangana Ranaut’s 'Emergency' to finally hit theatres?

Kangana Ranaut’s much-anticipated film Emergency, a biographical drama centered on former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, has been delayed due to a certification battle with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Initially slated for a September 6 release, the film has faced hurdles as the CBFC's revising committee suggested certain cuts before issuing a certificate. The Bombay High Court is now involved, with further hearings scheduled, raising questions about when the film will finally hit theatres.

The battle for certification

On Thursday, the CBFC told the Bombay High Court that a certificate would be issued to Emergency only if the recommended cuts were made. Ranaut, who directed, co-produced, and stars as Indira Gandhi in the film, had accused the CBFC of intentionally delaying the film's release by withholding certification. She suggested that the delay was politically motivated, especially given the upcoming elections in states like Haryana.

The film's co-producer, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, took the matter to court, seeking a directive for the CBFC to issue the required certificate. The division bench of Justices B.P. Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla expressed frustration with the CBFC’s indecision. In a previous hearing, the court had remarked that the censor board cannot sit on a fence and has to take its decision one way or the other as it would otherwise amount to curtailing the freedom of speech and expression.

In response to the court’s directive, CBFC’s counsel Abhinav Chandrachud explained, “The committee has suggested some cuts before a certificate can be issued and the movie can be released.” Senior counsel Sharan Jagtiani, representing Zee Entertainment, requested more time to decide whether these cuts could be accepted, with the court now awaiting a final decision in the next hearing scheduled for September 30.

The delay in certification stems partly from objections raised by some Sikh organisations, including the Shiromani Akali Dal, accusing the film of misrepresenting their community and historical facts. This controversy has only added to the uncertainty surrounding the film’s release, as sensitive portrayals of political and historical events often attract close scrutiny in India.

Political motivations

The controversy has led to speculation about political motivations, with Zee Entertainment alleging that the certificate was being withheld due to the upcoming elections in Haryana. This claim has raised eyebrows, given that Kangana Ranaut has been a vocal supporter of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and is herself a BJP MP. The court even wondered aloud why the ruling party would take issue with the film.

Emergency was expected to be a major release, particularly due to its portrayal of one of the most significant and controversial periods in Indian political history — the 1975-1977 Emergency imposed by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. However, the film’s release is now dependent on the outcome of the ongoing court proceedings and whether Kangana Ranaut and Zee Entertainment are willing to comply with the CBFC’s suggested edits.

The CBFC’s recommended cuts have not been publicly disclosed, leaving many wondering what specific elements of the film are in dispute. With the next court hearing scheduled for September 30, it remains to be seen whether Emergency will make its way to theatres soon or face further delays.

(With inputs from PTI)