The film Emergency, based on the emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi’s government in the country, is surrounded by controversies before its release. Now the path for the release of the film seems to be clear. The Central Board of Film Certification on Monday told the Bombay High Court that actress and film producer Kangana Ranaut has agreed to the cuts suggested by the CBFC in her film. A bench of Justices BP Colabawala and Firdous Pooniwala was hearing a petition filed by the film’s co-producer Zee Entertainment Enterprises seeking an order to issue a certificate from the CBFC for the film.
It is worth noting that earlier this film was to be released on September 6 but after the certificate for release was not issued, it is embroiled in a legal battle with the Censor Board. Kangana Ranaut has directed and co-produced the film besides playing the lead role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the film. He had accused CBFC of not granting the certificate to delay the release. The film has been embroiled in controversy after some Sikh organizations including Shiromani Akali Dal raised objections. The film has been accused of misrepresenting the Sikh community and misrepresenting historical facts.
The length of the film will not be affected
During the hearing on Monday, lawyer Sharan Jagtiani, representing Zee Entertainment, told the High Court that Kangana Ranaut had informed him about the revised changes that the CBFC wanted to make. He said that an agreement has been reached between Kangana and CBFC on this matter. However he said that Zee Entertainment needs time to confirm about the cuts. CBFC’s lawyer Abhinav Chandrachud told the bench that the cuts would not be of even one minute and the length of the film would not be affected. He said that Manikarma Films has agreed to most of the changes. The court has adjourned the hearing of the case till October 3.
Kangana’s allegations against CBFC
Zee Entertainment claimed in its petition that CBFC had already made the certificate for the film but is not issuing it. It had earlier alleged that the film was not being given a certificate due to political reasons and the upcoming elections in Haryana. The bench had then wondered why the ruling party would take action against Kangana Ranaut, herself a BJP MP.
