Kangana Ranaut's highly anticipated film Emergency has found itself embroiled in controversy after accusations were made against the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for allegedly stalling the movie's release at the behest of political influence. The makers claim that the delay is intended to impact the Haryana elections.

High Court Criticizes CBFC Over Film Certification Delay

On Thursday, the Bombay High Court addressed the ongoing delay by the CBFC in certifying Emergency, with the court making it clear that creative freedom and the right to free expression should not be compromised. The court stated that the CBFC cannot withhold certification of a movie solely due to potential law and order concerns, as reported by PTI.

The court gave the CBFC until September 25 to make a final decision regarding the issuance of a certification for the film. This move came after the court's displeasure with the CBFC's failure to act promptly. Additionally, the High Court asked a pointed question: Does the CBFC believe the public is naive enough to accept everything depicted in a film as reality?

Allegations of Political Influence in the Delays

The claims of political interference surfaced when it was alleged that the CBFC's delay was tied to the upcoming Haryana elections, and that the certification process was being used as a tool for political leverage. Interestingly, Emergency co-producer and director Kangana Ranaut is a sitting BJP MP, raising questions about the alleged political motivations.

The film was originally set for release on September 6. However, due to the delay in certification, the makers have had to postpone the release.

CBFC's Response: Concerns About Public Disorder

CBFC's senior counsel, Abhinav Chandrachud, addressed the High Court, explaining that the film had been referred to the revising committee for a final decision due to concerns over potential public unrest. Despite this, the court was critical, remarking that it was not within the CBFC's jurisdiction to decide whether a film could incite law and order issues. The court asserted that such delays could infringe upon the creative freedom of filmmakers.

Controversy Surrounding Emergency and Sikh Community

One of the major controversies surrounding Emergency revolves around objections raised by Sikh organizations, including the Shiromani Akali Dal. These groups have accused the film of misrepresenting the Sikh community and distorting historical facts, sparking further delays and complications in the certification process.

However, the Bombay High Court previously refused to grant any urgent relief to the filmmakers, as the Madhya Pradesh High Court had also directed the CBFC to consider the objections raised by the Sikh community before granting certification. This led to further delays, with the High Court ordering the CBFC to complete the certification process by September 18.

Kangana Ranaut's Emergency: A Political Drama

Directed and co-produced by Kangana Ranaut, Emergency is a political drama that portrays the controversial period in Indian history known as the Emergency, imposed by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975. Kangana plays the role of Indira Gandhi in the film, which has generated significant buzz.

The movie stars Anupam Kher and the late Satish Kaushik, adding to its anticipated allure. Emergency is not only a film with historical significance but also a personal project for Kangana, who has been vocal about the challenges she faced while making the film.

Legal Battle Continues as CBFC Faces Pressure

As the legal battle continues, Zee Entertainment, which is distributing the film, has expressed frustration over the CBFC's delay, accusing the board of deliberately withholding the certificate. Senior counsel Venkatesh Dhond, representing Zee Entertainment, argued that the CBFC's actions were politically motivated, aimed at preventing the film's release before the Haryana elections.

Dhond further alleged that the CBFC had already finalized the certificate for Emergency but was purposefully delaying its issuance. He claimed that the ruling political party was willing to displease one of its sitting parliamentarians'Kangana Ranaut'in order to appease a specific section of the electorate.

Creative Freedom Under Threat?

The Bombay High Court emphasized the importance of upholding creative freedom and questioned why people have become increasingly sensitive about films. Justice Colabawalla commented on this growing sensitivity, humorously stating that his own community is often parodied in movies, yet they simply laugh it off.

The court firmly stated that the CBFC must make a decision by September 25 and ensure the certification process does not infringe upon filmmakers' freedom of expression. The High Court's ruling sends a clear message about the need for swift and transparent decision-making by the CBFC, especially in light of the political allegations surrounding Emergency.

The Future of Emergency

As Emergency awaits certification, the outcome of the CBFC's decision will determine the film's release date. With mounting pressure from both the courts and the filmmakers, it remains to be seen whether the movie will make it to theaters soon. The controversy, however, has already ensured that the film will be a topic of much discussion when it eventually hits the screens.

In the meantime, Kangana Ranaut continues to advocate for the film's release, reinforcing her belief in the importance of telling the story of the Emergency and defending her right to creative freedom. Whether or not the film sparks further debate, Emergency is set to be a landmark film in Kangana's career, both for its historical content and the legal battles that have accompanied its release.