Emergency Release Update: The Kangana Ranaut starrer has been embroiled in one controversy after another. Soon after the trailer of the film was released, leaders of apex Sikh religious bodies alleged that the Emergency movie portrays the community in a negative light. This led to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) halting the release of the movie, scheduled for November 6. The makers then moved to the High Court looking for its help in a directive to CBFC. After a warning from the court, the certification board has agreed to the release of the movie on the condition that the makers make a few changes and exclusions.
What are the cuts suggested by CBFC for Emergency?
As per media reports, the CBFC has directed the moviemakers to make 13 modifications to the film. Emergency, which also serves Kangana Ranaut ‘s directorial venture, was cleared for release by the certification board with a U/A certificate deeming it fit to be viewed for all audiences above 12 years old and with parental guidance for children under the age. As per reports, the board has asked the Emergency makers to fact-check all claims made in the film, add disclaimers wherever required and make changes to some dialogues.
As per a report in Business Today, the CBFC has suggested a total of 13 changes to the film including 6 insertions, 4 exclusions, and 3 modifications. As per the publication, the maker shave been asked to insert a disclaimer at the beginning of the movie asserting that the events are a “dramatic transformation.” In addition to this references to separatist leader Bhindranwale have also been heavily censored. Insiders in the know have told the publication that the board has requested the makers to use images and documentation from file footage from archival footage. The makers are yet to confirm if they will implement these changes or not.
CBFC tells Bombay High Court its final decision On Kangana Ranaut ‘s Emergency release
On September 26, a division bench of Justices B P Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla asked the CBFC if it had “good news” for the movie. CBFC’s counsel Abhinav Chandrachud told the court that the board’s revising committee has taken its decision. “The committee has suggested some cuts before a certificate can be issued and the movie can be released,” he said.
The movie, which was initially slated for release on September 6, has been embroiled in a battle with the censor board for non-issuance of a certificate for its release. Ranaut, who has directed and co-produced the film, besides playing the lead role of former PM late Indira Gandhi, had accused the CBFC of stalling certification to delay the release. The HC had then said the censor board could not sit on the fence and had to take its decision one way or the other as it would otherwise amount to curtailing the freedom of speech and expression. The court had directed the CBFC to take its decision by September 25. Senior counsel Sharan Jagtiani, appearing for Zee Entertainment, sought time to take a decision on whether or not the cuts can be made. The Bench then posted the matter for further hearing on September 30.
