The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) informed the Bombay High Court that it would grant certification to BJP MP Kangana Ranaut’s film, ‘Emergency,’ if the producers agree to implement recommended cuts. The film, which depicts the 1975 Emergency imposed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, features Ranaut in the role of Gandhi.
Originally set to release on September 6, the film’s premiere was stalled due to a dispute with the CBFC over certification. Ranaut, who also directed and co-produced the movie, accused the board of deliberately delaying the process.
The court, last week, criticized the CBFC for not making a timely decision regarding the certification. During the hearing, the court directed the board to decide by September 25. CBFC’s counsel, Abhinav Chandrachud, confirmed that the board’s revising committee had made its decision, recommending certain edits before the film could be released.
The film’s co-producer, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, had approached the High Court seeking an order for the CBFC to issue the certification. Senior counsel Sharan Jagtiani, representing Zee Entertainment, requested additional time to decide whether to comply with the suggested cuts. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on September 30.
The film has faced opposition from some Sikh organizations, including the Shiromani Akali Dal, which claimed it misrepresented the community and distorted historical facts. Last week, Zee Entertainment alleged that the certification was being withheld for political reasons, possibly due to the upcoming elections in Haryana. However, the court questioned why the ruling party would act against Ranaut, who is affiliated with the BJP.
