Filmmaker and actress Kangana Ranaut’s latest release, Emergency, has hit a major roadblock as screenings have been halted in Patiala, Amritsar, and Bathinda due to fears of protests.

Controversy Surrounding the Film

The movie has sparked protests across Punjab, with leaders from Sikh organizations, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), demanding a ban. They claim the film distorts history and misrepresents Sikhs, potentially tarnishing their image.

A tweet by SGPC reiterated their stance, urging authorities to ban the film in Punjab, which is scheduled for release on January 17, 2025.

ਸ਼੍ਰੋਮਣੀ ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ ਪ੍ਰਬੰਧਕ ਕਮੇਟੀ ਨੇ ਸਿੱਖਾਂ ਦਾ ਅਕਸ ਖ਼ਰਾਬ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲੀ ਅਤੇ ਇਤਿਹਾਸ ਨੂੰ ਗਲਤ ਪੇਸ਼ ਕਰਦੀ ਕੰਗਨਾ ਰਣੌਤ ਦੀ ਫ਼ਿਲਮ ਐਮਰਜੈਂਸੀ 'ਤੇ ਸਖ਼ਤ ਇਤਰਾਜ਼ ਪ੍ਰਗਟ ਕਰਦਿਆਂ, ਇਸ ਦੇ 17 ਜਨਵਰੀ 2025 ਨੂੰ ਰੀਲੀਜ਼ ਹੋਣ ਉੱਤੇ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਅੰਦਰ ਰੋਕ ਲਗਾਉਣ ਦੀ ਮੰਗ ਕੀਤੀ ਹੈ। ਇਸ ਨੂੰ ਲੈ ਕੇ ਸ਼੍ਰੋਮਣੀ ਕਮੇਟੀ ਦੇ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ ਐਡਵੋਕੇਟ… pic.twitter.com/IuT9yLYDBS

— Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (@SGPCAmritsar) January 16, 2025

Historical Sensitivities and Political Backlash

The controversy stems from the film’s subject matter, which explores the turbulent period of the 1975 Emergency declared by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The movie delves into historical and political upheavals that continue to evoke polarizing reactions across the nation.

Government’s Precautionary Measures

Local administrations in the three cities have taken preemptive action, citing concerns that the film’s narrative could provoke unrest among certain groups. Authorities have emphasized the need to maintain peace and order, given the heightened sensitivity surrounding the film’s content.

Political Figures Weigh In

Congress leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira backed SGPC’s demand, sharing their letter on X (formerly Twitter) and stating: “I support the demand of @SGPCAmritsar to ban the film Emergency, directed by @KanganaTeam, a known critic of farmers and Sikhs without acknowledging their contributions to our country.”

He further urged Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to take immediate action against the film, arguing that it portrays Sikhs negatively and defames Punjab and its people.

I support the demand of @SGPCAmritsar to ban the film Emergency directed by @KanganaTeam a known critic of farmers & Sikhs without knowing their contribution towards our country.

SGPC is our elected representative body and @BhagwantMann should take immediate steps to ban the… https://t.co/2iLgn5M3LI

— Sukhpal Singh Khaira (@SukhpalKhaira) January 17, 2025

Ranaut’s Response

Reacting to the calls for a ban, Kangana Ranaut dismissed the allegations, calling them baseless propaganda aimed at damaging her reputation and film. She took to social media, stating:

“This is complete harassment of art and artists. Many cities in Punjab are reporting that certain groups are preventing Emergency from being screened. I have the utmost respect for all religions. Having studied and grown up in Chandigarh, I have closely observed and followed Sikh traditions. These claims are false and part of a campaign to tarnish my image and harm my film.”

This is complete harassment of art and the artist, from Punjab many cities are reporting that these people are not allowing Emergency to be screened.
I have utmost respect for all religions and after studying and growing up in Chandigarh I have closely observed and followed Sikh… https://t.co/VQEWMqiFih

— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) January 17, 2025

What’s Next for Emergency?

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the ban will be officially imposed or if screenings will resume in Punjab. Meanwhile, Emergency continues to generate significant public discourse, with audiences eagerly awaiting its nationwide release.