Kangana shares reason for Emergency postponement

Kangana shares reason for Emergency postponment. Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut announced the postponement of her directorial debut, "Emergency," on Friday, citing delays in censor board clearance. This comes just one day after the Bombay High Court refused to order certification for the film. Initially scheduled for release on September 6, the film starring Kangana as former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi now faces an uncertain release date.

"With a heavy heart I announce that my directorial Emergency has been postponed," Kangana wrote on X, "We are still waiting for the certification from censor board. The new release date will be announced soon. Thanks for your understanding and patience."

The film has been embroiled in controversy since Sikh organizations, including the Shiromani Akali Dal, raised objections, accusing it of misrepresenting the community and historical inaccuracies. This matter is currently in court, with the next hearing slated for September 19.

Adding fuel to the fire, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, the co-producer of "Emergency," approached the Bombay High Court earlier this week, seeking the release of the film. A petition argued that the censor board had arbitrarily withheld the certification. Kangana has also accused the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) of stalling the process to delay the release.

Last week, Kangana clarified that while the film had received clearance from the CBFC, certification was on hold due to numerous death threats against members of the board. However, according to reports, the CBFC issued a letter on August 8 seeking modifications to the film. Zee and the co-producers submitted the revised film on August 14, receiving an email on August 29 confirming the CD was sealed and a certificate number generated. Despite this, the certificate remains unavailable.

The postponement of "Emergency" highlights the ongoing tension between filmmakers and the censor board, with concerns over artistic freedom and political influence playing a key role in the controversy. It remains to be seen when and how the film will be released, and whether it will eventually overcome the legal and political hurdles that currently stand in its path.