The Bombay High Court has declined to direct the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to immediately issue a certification for Kangana Ranaut’s much-anticipated film, Emergency. The court’s decision comes in response to a plea filed by Zee Studios, the co-producer of the film, which was originally slated for release on September 6, 2024.
Emergency, which delves into the life of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, has faced backlash from Sikh organizations concerned about the portrayal of their community and the accuracy of historical events depicted in the film. Following these concerns, the Madhya Pradesh High Court had previously instructed the CBFC to consider representations made by the Jabalpur Sikh Sangat and Sri Guru Singh Sabha, which had objected to the film’s content and trailer.
The Bombay High Court emphasized that the CBFC must review and decide on these objections by September 18, 2024, to ensure that the film’s release is not unduly delayed, given the significant financial investments involved.
Kangana Ranaut’s team responded to the court’s decision on social media, stating, “The High Court has blasted the censor for illegally withholding the certificate of Emergency.”
The court also reprimanded the CBFC for attempting to delay the certification process due to the upcoming Ganpati festival, underscoring the importance of timely decision-making in the film industry.
