Mumbai: Kangana Ranaut, the bold and outspoken actress-turned-politician, is no stranger to controversy. Known for delivering hit films, Kangana is currently in the spotlight for her upcoming movie Emergency. The film, which recently launched its trailer, has garnered attention from fans, but it’s also facing significant backlash, especially from the Sikh community.
Call for Ban by SGPC
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), led by President Harjinder Singh Dhami, has called for an immediate ban on Emergency. The SGPC, along with Jathedar Gyani Raghubir Singh of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, has also demanded the registration of an FIR against Kangana Ranaut. The movie, set to release on September 6, 2024, features Kangana portraying former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, a role that has already sparked controversy even before the film’s release.
Misrepresentation of Sikhs Alleged
The SGPC claims that Emergency misrepresents Sikhs, portraying them in a negative light. Harjinder Singh Dhami stated that the film has hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community, alleging that it deliberately distorts the character of Sikhs. He urged the Indian government to ban the film, accusing Kangana of intentionally provoking the Sikh community with her portrayal.
Historical Sensitivity and Ongoing Pain
The controversy centers on the portrayal of events related to the Emergency period and the tragic events of June 1984, when Operation Blue Star took place at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The SGPC president emphasized that the atrocities committed against Sikhs during that period are a painful chapter in history, one that the community can never forget. He expressed deep concern that the film might insult the memory of the Sikh martyrs of 1984 by weaving an anti-Sikh narrative.
Claims of a Conspiracy
Harjinder Singh Dhami further accused Kangana of repeatedly making statements that provoke Sikh sentiments. He criticized the government for allegedly protecting her instead of taking action. He called for legal measures against her, claiming that the film is part of a larger conspiracy to defame the Sikh community. According to the SGPC, the film portrays Sikhs as terrorists, a depiction they find unacceptable.
Political Backlash and Protests
Adding to the controversy, Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal has also voiced her opposition to the film. She criticized Kangana as being anti-Sikh and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ban Emergency. Harsimrat Kaur Badal argued that the release of such a film could incite unrest and damage the social fabric of the country by spreading negative stereotypes about Sikhs.
Film Details and Cast
Emergency depicts the turbulent period in Indian history when the Emergency was imposed. Kangana Ranaut plays the role of Indira Gandhi, with a cast that includes Anupam Kher as Jayaprakash Narayan (JP), Shreyas Talpade as Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Ashok Chhabra as Morarji Desai, and Mahima Chaudhary as Pupul Jayakar. The film aims to bring to light the political and social upheaval during that era, but it has already ignited protests in Punjab following the trailer’s release.
Growing Tensions
As the release date approaches, the tension surrounding Emergency is escalating. The controversy underscores the sensitivity of the issues portrayed in the film and the strong emotions they evoke. With prominent Sikh leaders and organizations calling for a ban, the film’s future hangs in the balance. Whether Emergency will face censorship or legal challenges remains to be seen, but the debate it has sparked highlights the ongoing complexities of depicting historical events on screen.
Emergency is scheduled for release on September 6, but with mounting opposition, its fate could change in the coming days. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how this controversy unfolds.
