Kangana Ranaut responds to calls for banning Emergency in Punjab: ‘Propaganda to tarnish my image’

Actor and filmmaker Kangana Ranaut’s movie Emergency has faced major hurdles in Punjab. On January 17, the same day as the film’s release, reports emerged that its screening was paused in cities like Patiala, Amritsar, and Bathinda. The decision came after local authorities expressed concerns over possible protests and disruptions to public order. The film’s narrative, which focuses on political events during former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s tenure, has sparked criticism from certain Sikh groups, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).

A day before the release, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami wrote to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, urging a ban on the movie. The SGPC accused the film of misrepresenting Sikh history and harming community sentiments. Amid this controversy, several theatres in Punjab halted the movie’s screening as a precautionary measure.

Kangana Ranaut’s response

Kangana took to social media to express her disappointment, calling the situation "harassment of art and artists." On X (formerly Twitter), she shared her frustration over the obstacles her film faced in Punjab. “This is complete harassment of art and the artist. Many cities in Punjab are reporting that they are not allowing Emergency to be screened,” she wrote.

The actor also stated that she holds deep respect for all religions, including Sikhism, which she grew up observing closely during her time in Chandigarh. Kangana claimed that the opposition to her film was part of a “propaganda” to damage her reputation and harm the movie’s success. “This is a complete lie and propaganda to tarnish my image and harm my film #Emergency,” she added.

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Emergency is a biographical political thriller directed and produced by Kangana Ranaut. It delves into the life of Indira Gandhi and focuses on key events during her tenure, including the Emergency and Operation Bluestar. Kangana portrays Indira Gandhi, while the cast also includes prominent actors such as Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, and Mahima Chaudhry in key roles. The film had been delayed several times before finally releasing in cinemas.

Background of the Opposition

The controversy around Emergency stems from allegations that it misrepresents Sikh history and events related to the Emergency period. Sikh organizations have criticized the film for allegedly portraying the community in a negative light. Local authorities in Punjab took a preemptive approach, fearing that the film’s screening could provoke protests and disrupt public peace.

Despite these challenges, Kangana has remained firm, defending her work and emphasizing her respect for all communities. As debates continue, Emergency has become a focal point of discussion in both political and cinematic circles.