Kangana Ranaut recently expressed her dissatisfaction over the growing resistance against her film Emergency in Punjab. A section of Sikh groups, led by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), has demanded a post-release ban on the movie, accusing it of misrepresenting the Sikh community. The ongoing protests have already prompted several theatres in Punjab to refrain from screening the film.
Kangana Ranaut On Punjab Banning Emergency Release
The SGPC, in its appeal to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, emphasized that the movie’s content could potentially hurt Sikh sentiments and spread misinformation. The organization accused the filmmakers of promoting narratives that could stoke unrest among the Sikh community. This led to protests across Punjab, intensifying calls to block the film’s release. Kangana, who directed and starred in Emergency, condemned the actions on social media, calling the situation an outright attack on artistic freedom. Kangana Ranaut defended the film, stating that it does not target any religious group or community. Her message reflected frustration, as she believed the protests were more about personal attacks than valid criticisms of the film’s content.
The controversy has escalated quickly, with political leaders and cultural organizations weighing in. Supporters of the ban claim the movie might provoke emotional distress due to its portrayal of events from the Emergency period (1975-1977), a politically tumultuous time in India under the rule of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Meanwhile, many in the industry and beyond argue that banning a film without engaging in constructive dialogue undermines creative freedom and healthy discourse.
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Emergency features a star-studded cast, including Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, and Milind Soman, and focuses on one of the most critical periods in India’s political history. With its scheduled release still under scrutiny, the ongoing resistance has cast a shadow over the film’s potential reception in Punjab.
The state government has yet to make an official statement on the ban. In the meantime do read our review of the movie and tap on the link below.