Chandigarh (Punjab) [India]: The release of Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut’s film Emergency has sparked protests and controversy across Punjab, with political leaders and religious groups accusing the film of distorting history, particularly with regards to the Sikh community and the events of 1984.
Congress Leader’s Criticism
Punjab Congress chief and Member of Parliament, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, condemned the film, suggesting that films like Emergency twist historical facts for entertainment purposes. Speaking to media, he emphasized that such films, by presenting “scripted stories,” risk harming the country’s communal harmony. He stated, “Whenever such films are made, the facts are twisted because the film won’t succeed without ‘masala’.” He further stressed the role of governments and censor boards in monitoring such films to prevent harm to the nation’s brotherhood.
Warring’s remarks echo concerns about the film’s portrayal of sensitive historical events, especially when it comes to issues related to Punjab and the Sikh community.
SGPC’s Protest Against Film’s Depiction of Sikh History
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), an influential religious body, has also voiced its opposition to the film. They allege that Emergency misrepresents Sikh history and distorts the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. A member of SGPC mentioned, “We had protested earlier when the teaser came out, but the government did nothing. The censor board gave it a green signal, and now the film is set for release.”
In response, the SGPC announced that they would be protesting against the screening of the film, calling it politically motivated and an attempt to malign the Sikh community. They also raised concerns about law and order, with the SGPC accusing the Punjab government of failing to act on their grievances. Police forces were deployed outside cinemas in Amritsar, where the film was being screened.
Farmer Groups Join Protests
In addition to the SGPC, farmer groups from Sindhupur have joined the protests, accusing Kangana Ranaut of using derogatory language during the farmers’ protests. These groups gathered outside cinemas in Zirakpur, Mohali, further escalating tensions. In light of these protests, several cinema screenings have been halted, and police forces were called to maintain order.
Government and Censor Board under Scrutiny
The controversy highlights the tensions surrounding the role of government authorities and the film censor board in regulating content that is seen to be politically sensitive or historically controversial. Critics argue that films should avoid distorting sensitive events, especially those with a significant emotional impact on certain communities.
As protests continue and law enforcement remains on alert, the film’s release in Punjab remains a point of contention, with calls for greater scrutiny of content that touches on divisive topics.