Kangana Ranaut's Emergency Release in Limbo: Censor Board Tells HC 'Certificate Can Be Issued If...'

The CBFC finally informed the Bombay High Court that it would issue a certificate for Kangana Ranaut's film Emergency if certain conditions were fulfilled. The film, which depicts former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, has faced objections from Sikh organizations for allegedly misrepresenting historical facts.

Mumbai: The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) informed the Bombay High Court on Thursday that it would issue a certificate for Kangana Ranaut's film Emergency, provided certain cuts recommended by its revising committee are made. Initially scheduled for release on September 6, the film has faced delays due to ongoing disputes with the CBFC over certification. Ranaut, who directed, co-produced, and stars as former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, has accused the CBFC of deliberately stalling the certification process to hinder the film's release.

The biographical drama has attracted controversy, particularly from Sikh organisations, including the Shiromani Akali Dal, which claim the film misrepresents the community and distorts historical facts. Last week, a division bench of Justices B P Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla criticised the CBFC for its indecision, emphasising that delaying certification could infringe on freedom of speech and expression. The court ordered the CBFC to finalise its decision by September 25.

In response to the bench's inquiry about progress, CBFC counsel Abhinav Chandrachud confirmed that the revising committee had made recommendations for cuts before a certificate could be granted. Senior counsel Sharan Jagtiani, representing Zee Entertainment Enterprises, which co-produced the film, requested time to consider these proposed changes. The bench has scheduled further hearings for September 30. Zee Entertainment's plea alleged that the CBFC was withholding certification due to political motives linked to the upcoming Haryana elections.

Read More