by The release of Kangana Ranaut’s much-anticipated political thriller Emergency has been marred by controversy, as the Sikh community has raised concerns over its content, leading to a demand for a ban in the state of Punjab. The film, which traces the tumultuous period of the 1970s when the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, declared a state of Emergency, has drawn sharp criticism from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). The SGPC, representing the Sikh community, has taken offense to certain aspects of the film that they believe distort historical facts and could negatively impact the image of the Sikh community.
This article delves into the political thriller’s narrative, the controversy surrounding its release, the SGPC’s objections, the broader implications of the ban demand, and the potential impact of the issue on the film industry.
Emergency: A Look at the Film
Directed and produced by Kangana Ranaut, Emergency is set against the backdrop of one of the most controversial periods in India’s history—the Emergency of 1975. The film chronicles the events surrounding the emergency declaration by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the political and social turmoil that followed. It also delves into the personal and political struggles of Indira Gandhi, as well as the implications of the emergency on the country’s governance, civil rights, and societal structure.
Kangana Ranaut, who plays the role of Indira Gandhi in the film, portrays the iron-willed leader who, in the face of political challenges, decided to impose a state of Emergency across the nation. This period, which lasted from June 1975 to March 1977, saw widespread curbs on civil liberties, press censorship, and the arrest of political opponents. The film also explores the broader political landscape of the time, including the opposition to the Emergency and the challenges faced by citizens in a country grappling with authoritarian measures.
While the film’s premise is rooted in true events, it is a work of fiction that aims to provide a dramatized account of history. However, it is precisely this dramatization that has led to the film becoming embroiled in controversy.
The SGPC’s Objection to Emergency
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the apex body responsible for the management of Sikh religious and cultural affairs, has raised strong objections to Emergency. The committee, which represents the Sikh community’s interests, sent a letter to the Chief Minister of Punjab, Bhagwant Mann, just a day before the film’s scheduled release on January 17, 2025. In the letter, SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami alleged that the film distorts historical facts and misrepresents significant events related to the Sikh community.
The primary objection raised by the SGPC revolves around the portrayal of the 1970s political landscape and its impact on the Sikh community. The SGPC has expressed its concern that the film fails to accurately represent key historical events that led to widespread discontent within the Sikh community, particularly in relation to the events at Sri Harmandar Sahib (Golden Temple) and the Akal Takht Sahib in Amritsar.
The letter states, “The movie aims at distorting facts and defaming the Sikh community,” and it points to the film’s portrayal of the Emergency period, accusing it of hiding important facts about the attacks on the Sikh holy sites and the violence that ensued. The SGPC argues that the film’s narrative fails to address the Sikh genocide that occurred in 1984—almost a decade after the Emergency period—further intensifying their belief that the film presents an anti-Sikh agenda.
Moreover, the SGPC has raised concerns that the film, through its dramatized depiction of the political climate, risks inflaming existing tensions between the Sikh community and the broader Indian political establishment. According to the committee, the film’s omissions and potential inaccuracies could lead to further division, especially by misrepresenting the Sikh community’s role and experiences during the period.
SGPC’s Call for a Ban
In the letter to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the SGPC not only condemned the film’s content but also requested that the Punjab government take immediate action to ban the release of Emergency in the state. The SGPC contended that allowing the film’s screening would “anger the Sikh world” and lead to widespread protests.
The letter further stated, “If the movie is released on January 17, it would enrage the Sikh world, which is natural.” The committee warned that the Sikh community might resort to stronger forms of protest, including public demonstrations and disruptions at cinemas, if the film was allowed to be screened. The SGPC’s stance echoes a long-standing tension in the Indian entertainment industry, where politically sensitive films and portrayals of history often spark strong reactions from different communities.
The SGPC’s demand for a ban was reinforced by accusations that Emergency attempts to spread “venom” against the Sikh community. The committee cited the omission of key historical events, such as the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, as evidence of the film’s agenda to downplay the community’s struggles and the injustices they faced.
The Reaction from Cinema Owners and Theatre Screening
Despite the lack of an official ban from the Punjab government, the controversy surrounding Emergency has had a significant impact on its release in the state. While the film was released in other parts of India on January 17, 2025, with scheduled screenings across multiplexes and theatres, it was reported that theatre owners in Punjab chose not to screen the film.
Although no formal statement has been issued by the theatre owners or multiplex chains, industry insiders and reports have confirmed that cinemas in Punjab were withholding the film’s release. The decision was made in response to the pressure exerted by the SGPC and the growing protests in the region. Some cinemas in Punjab were even reported to have increased security around their premises to prevent potential disruptions and protests outside theatres.
The film’s producers, distributors, and cinema owners are likely to be facing a difficult situation in the wake of this controversy. While Emergency has been well-received in other parts of the country, the ban demand in Punjab threatens to undermine its commercial prospects in a key market.
Protests by SGPC Members
In addition to the official demand for a ban, SGPC members have organized protests outside several cinemas in Punjab. These protests have further complicated the film’s release in the region, with Sikh activists voicing their displeasure at what they perceive as a distortion of history. The protests have been peaceful, but the potential for violence remains high, as tensions around the film continue to rise.
The SGPC has made it clear that they will not back down and will continue to oppose the film’s screening in Punjab. Their protests are likely to escalate if the state government does not take action to halt the release.
Implications for the Indian Film Industry
The controversy surrounding Emergency is yet another example of how politically sensitive content can spark public outrage and demand for censorship in India. Films that tackle historical events, particularly those related to politics and religious communities, often find themselves at the center of heated debates and calls for censorship.
For the Indian film industry, Emergency represents a case study in how the freedom of expression in cinema can clash with the sensitivities of various communities. While filmmakers have the right to explore and dramatize historical events, they must also navigate the complexities of public sentiment, especially when the portrayal of certain groups or incidents is perceived as offensive or inaccurate.
The ban demand in Punjab also raises questions about the role of government censorship in the entertainment industry. While India’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has given Emergency the green light for release, the state government’s role in regulating content remains a contentious issue. The incident highlights the tension between the freedom of filmmakers to tell stories and the responsibility they have toward preserving harmony and avoiding communal disharmony.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency underscores the delicate balance between political expression, historical accuracy, and community sensitivities in India. The Sikh community’s objections to the film have led to protests and calls for a ban in Punjab, raising critical questions about the role of cinema in reflecting and shaping historical narratives.
As Emergency faces delays in its release in Punjab, the broader implications of the controversy will continue to reverberate in the film industry. The demand for a ban, alongside public protests, underscores the challenges faced by filmmakers when dealing with politically charged content in a diverse and multifaceted society like India. The outcome of this controversy will likely influence how future films dealing with sensitive historical topics are approached, both in terms of storytelling and political sensitivities.
Ultimately, Emergency is not just a film about a pivotal moment in Indian history—it has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over freedom of expression, censorship, and the responsibility of filmmakers to portray history with respect and accuracy.
