Kangana Ranaut agrees to censor board edits for ‘Emergency’

PTC News Desk: Bollywood actor and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP, Kangana Ranaut, has accepted the Central Board of Film Certification’s (CBFC) recommendations for cuts in her upcoming directorial film, Emergency, the Bombay High Court was told today. This development emerged during a hearing regarding a petition filed by Zee Entertainment Enterprises, the co-producers of the film, seeking the release of the censor certificate so the movie could hit theaters.

The CBFC informed the court that Ranaut had interacted with them and agreed to the cuts suggested by the board’s revising committee. The division bench, comprising Justices BP Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla, has scheduled the next hearing for Thursday to review further developments in the case.

The film, which portrays the political period of the Emergency imposed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi from 1975 to 1977, had encountered hurdles with the censor board. According to reports, the CBFC proposed 13 cuts to the film, although it remains unclear whether Ranaut agreed to all of the suggestions.

Directed and co-produced by Ranaut herself, Emergency features an ensemble cast including Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, Mahima Chaudhry, and Milind Soman in key roles. Kangana Ranaut plays the central role of Indira Gandhi, the late Prime Minister, who was a controversial figure during that period of Indian history.

The film was originally slated for release on September 6, 2023, but ran into delays after complaints arose regarding alleged historical inaccuracies and potential misrepresentation of the Sikh community. These concerns added to the ongoing discussions with the CBFC over the film’s content.

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Earlier in the month, the Bombay High Court had directed the CBFC to make a final decision on the film’s certification. While accepting the CBFC’s reservations, the court made it clear that the board should not concern itself with determining whether the film would affect public order.

Justice Colabawalla noted that Emergency was a work of creative fiction and not a documentary, adding, “Do you think the public is so naive they will believe everything in a movie? What about creative freedom?”

The court also urged the CBFC to take a definitive stance, emphasizing that the board “can’t sit on the fence.” Justice Colabawalla further stated, “Take a decision. Let’s see what the revising committee says, be it deciding to release or not, take a decision. Have the courage to say that the film should not be released. We will appreciate the stand of the CBFC.”

Representing the CBFC, counsel Abhinav Chandrachud informed the court that some scenes in the film depict a polarising figure negotiating with political parties, which had raised concerns for the board.

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Despite this, Ranaut had expressed frustration with some of the board’s suggestions for cuts. Last week, she described the proposed edits as “quite unreasonable,” while maintaining that the film had received high praise from historians and members of the review committee who appreciated its fidelity to historical events.

“We’ve received requests for cuts, but while feedback is always welcome, some of the suggestions seem quite unreasonable,” Ranaut remarked. However, she added on a positive note, “Most historians and members of the review committee who’ve seen it have praised it as the most faithful depiction of a leader.”

Ranaut further emphasised the film’s commitment to truth, stating, “They’ve especially appreciated our unwavering commitment to the truth, without compromising even the smallest detail. Their endorsement is encouraging, affirming that we’ve honored the story as it deserves. Nevertheless, we are ready to stand our ground and protect the film’s integrity, ensuring its essence remains intact.”

The upcoming hearing will determine the final outcome of the CBFC’s review and whether the film can proceed with its scheduled release, bringing to an end the delays caused by censorship and legal challenges. The film is expected to spark conversation due to its portrayal of one of India’s most controversial political eras.

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