SGPC seeks ban on Kangana Ranaut’s Film ‘Emergency’ ahead of release, Cites anti-sikh allegations

A day before the scheduled release of *Emergency*, a film by Mandi BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami has urged Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to impose a ban on its screening in the state. The SGPC alleges the film misrepresents Sikh history and propagates an anti-Sikh agenda. In a letter addressed to the chief minister on Thursday, Dhami reiterated SGPC’s protest, stating that the movie defames Sikhs by distorting historical facts, including events surrounding the attack on Sri Harmandar Sahib, Akal Takht Sahib, and other gurdwaras, as well as the 1984 Sikh genocide. He warned that releasing the film would enrage the Sikh community and lead to strong protests.

The controversy stems from *Emergency*’s portrayal of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the events of the 21-month Emergency period from 1975-77. The biographical political thriller, directed and produced by Ranaut, has faced opposition from Sikh organizations, including the SGPC and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). These groups claim the film misrepresents Sikh figures, including slain militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. Akal Takht jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh criticized the trailer, released in August last year, for distorting Bhindranwale’s character, stating, “Sikhs can never tolerate imitation of their martyrs in films.”

The SGPC had earlier sent a legal notice to the filmmakers demanding the removal of objectionable scenes and an apology to the Sikh community. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) initially delayed clearance for the movie but approved it after modifications were made. However, the SGPC remains adamant in its demand for a statewide ban. SGPC functionaries have mobilized across Punjab, handing over memorandums to deputy commissioners in support of their demand. In Amritsar, a delegation led by SGPC secretary Partap Singh submitted the memorandum.

*Emergency* is slated for release on January 17, 2025, but its reception in Punjab remains uncertain amidst ongoing protests and calls for a ban.