Sikh Leaders Demand Ban on Kangana Ranaut's Film 'Emergency'

The Akal Takht, the highest authority in Sikhism, and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) are calling for an immediate ban on Kangana Ranaut’s upcoming film, 'Emergency.' They believe the movie unfairly portrays Sikhs and damages their reputation.

SGPC Calls for Ban of Kangana Ranaut's Film Emergency

SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami, in a press conference, demanded that a First Information Report (FIR) be filed against Kangana Ranaut, who is the film's writer, director, producer, and lead actor. Dhami is concerned that the film might offend the Sikh community with its portrayal.

The movie, which was originally scheduled to release in November 2023, has been delayed multiple times and is now set to hit theatres next month. However, Gyani Raghbir Singh, the head of the Akal Takht, strongly objects to the film. He claims that the movie wrongfully depicts Sikhs as separatists, which he believes is part of a deliberate plan to harm the community’s image. Singh called this portrayal a “disrespectful act,” especially in light of the tragic events of June 1984, a time when Sikhs faced severe brutality.

Singh also accused the film of attempting to tarnish the reputation of Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale, who is considered a martyr by the Sikh community. He argues that the film tries to destroy Bhindranwale’s legacy, which is unacceptable to Sikhs.

Joining the call for a ban, Faridkot MP Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa, who is the son of Indira Gandhi’s assassin Beant Singh, also believes the film portrays Sikhs inaccurately. Similarly, Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal has suggested that the SGPC should review the film before its release. She mentioned that the Shiromani Akali Dal played a significant role during the Emergency period, and any misrepresentation of Sikhs in the film would be unfair.

ਭਾਰਤ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਨੂੰ ਸਿੱਖਾਂ ਦੇ ਕਿਰਦਾਰ ਨੂੰ ਗਲਤ ਤਰੀਕੇ ਨਾਲ ਪੇਸ਼ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲੀ ਫਿਲਮ ‘ਐਮਰਜੰਸੀ’ 'ਤੇ ਤੁਰੰਤ ਰੋਕ ਲਗਾਉਣ ਚਾਹੀਦੀ ਹੈ। ਇਹ ਫਿਲਮ ਸਿੱਖਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਵਿਰੋਧੀ ਪ੍ਰਗਟਾਵਿਆਂ ਕਰਕੇ ਵਿਵਾਦਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਰਹਿਣ ਵਾਲੀ ਅਦਾਕਾਰ ਕੰਗਨਾ ਰਣੌਤ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਜਾਣਬੁੱਝ ਕੇ ਸਿੱਖਾਂ ਦੀ ਕਿਰਦਾਰਕੁਸ਼ੀ ਕਰਨ ਦੇ ਮੰਤਵ ਨਾਲ ਬਣਾਈ ਗਈ ਹੈ, ਜਿਸ ਨੂੰ ਸਿੱਖ…

— Harjinder Singh Dhami (@SGPCPresident) August 21, 2024

"Emergency" focuses on the period when former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency in India. Kangana Ranaut stars in the lead role, alongside actors like Shreyas Talpade, Anupam Kher, and Milind Soman.

The SGPC president also emphasized the need for Sikh representation on the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). He believes that without Sikh members on the board, decisions about films related to Sikh issues are often biased. Despite repeated requests, the government has not yet addressed this demand.

- PTC PUNJABI