Sikh Organizations Demand Ban on Kangana Ranaut’s “Emergency” Over Misrepresentation Concerns

Controversy erupted shortly after the trailer launch of Kangana Ranaut’s film Emergency. Prominent Sikh organizations, including the Akal Takht and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), have called for an immediate ban. They accuse the movie of distorting Sikh history and disrespecting key figures.

Akal Takht and SGPC Demand Ban on Emergency
SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami voiced his concerns during a press conference. He accused the film of portraying Sikhs in a negative light, particularly targeting Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, whom the community reveres as a martyr. Dhami condemned the movie as an attempt to “character assassinate” Sikhs.

Allegations of Distorting Sikh History
The controversy centers around Emergency, which depicts the political challenges faced by Indira Gandhi during the 1975 Emergency in India. Sikh leaders argue that the film portrays Sikh characters and events in a misleading and harmful way. Gyani Raghbir Singh, the Jathedar of the Akal Takht, claimed the film paints Sikhs as separatists. He accused it of being part of a “deep conspiracy” to create an anti-Sikh narrative. He emphasized the sensitivity surrounding the events of June 1984, a difficult time for the Sikh community, and accused the film of disrespecting Sikh martyrs.

Call for Government Action
The SGPC has called for legal action against Kangana Ranaut. They urged the government to register an FIR against her for allegedly inciting religious sentiments. Dhami also criticized the government for shielding Ranaut despite her past controversial statements about Sikhs and Punjab. He further appealed to the Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting to ban the film. He suggested including Sikh members in the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to protect Sikh sentiments in cinema.

The Film’s Release and Ongoing Debate
Emergency features a star-studded cast, including Anupam Kher, Mahima Chaudhary, Milind Soman, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, and the late Satish Kaushik. It is set to release on September 6, 2024. As the controversy escalates, the filmmakers have yet to address the demands for a ban, leaving the debate over the film’s portrayal of Sikh history unresolved.

Watch: Emergency official trailer