CHANDIGARH: Sikh groups plan to file a case against Kangana Ranaut in Jalandhar and ban the film from Punjab theatres.
The forthcoming release of Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut’s film “Emergency” has ignited a significant controversy, with Sikh organisations supporting Khalistani ideology calling for a ban on the film and the registration of an FIR against Ranaut. The film, set to release on September 6, depicts Kangana Ranaut in the role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and has drawn ire from the Sikh community for its alleged negative portrayal of Sikhs.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the Jathedar of Shri Akal Takht Sahib have been vocal in their opposition to the film. SGPC President, advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, has strongly condemned the film, accusing it of deliberately maligning the Sikh community. Dhami has demanded an immediate ban on the film, asserting that it is an attempt by Kangana Ranaut, who, according to him, has a history of making anti-Sikh statements, to defame Sikhs—a move that the community will not tolerate.
Advocate Dhami has further criticised the film for its portrayal of Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale- who was a Khalistani terrorist. As per Dhami, Bhindranwale has been declared a national martyr by Shri Akal Takht Sahib. Dhami stated that the film’s narrative attempts to “mischaracterize” Bhindranwale, and so is deeply offensive and an insult to the Sikh martyrs of 1984. He emphasised that such misrepresentations are a grave injustice to the Sikh community and an affront to their history.
The controversy surrounding “Emergency” is not the first instance of Kangana Ranaut facing backlash for her comments. Dhami has accused her of repeatedly provoking Sikh sentiments through her statements, and he criticised the government for shielding her instead of taking punitive action. He urged the government to file a case against Ranaut for inciting religious sentiments through the film.
Dhami also expressed strong objections to the film’s trailer, which he claims deliberately depicts Sikhs as terrorists. He argued that this portrayal is part of a larger conspiracy to vilify the Sikh community, a tactic that has no place in a diverse and democratic society.
Adding to the controversy, Dhami claimed that there were double standards within the Indian film industry. He alleged that while the release of “Punjab 95,” a film about Sikh human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, was blocked despite undergoing 85 cuts by the Censor Board, “Emergency,” which distorts the history of the Sikh community, was being allowed to release. He called this disparity a reflection of biassed practices that are detrimental to the nation’s unity.
In response to these ongoing issues, Advocate Dhami reiterated SGPC’s demand for the inclusion of Sikh members on the Central Film Censor Board. He argued that the absence of Sikh representation has led to one-sided decisions that fail to consider the sentiments of the Sikh community. Despite multiple resolutions passed by the SGPC, the government has yet to take action on this front, a failure that Dhami says needs urgent redress.
The controversy surrounding “Emergency” deepened after Kangana Ranaut shared the film’s trailer on her social media platforms. The trailer depicts the tumultuous period of terrorism in Punjab during the 1980s, including a character based on Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, who is revered by the radicals. The film also appears to cover aspects of Operation Blue Star, the military operation aimed at eliminating Bhindranwale, further inflaming tensions.
SGPC has accused “Emergency” of attempting to portray Sikhs as terrorists.
This is not the first time Kangana Ranaut has faced legal action for her remarks. During the farmers’ protest, she accused the women protesters of participating in the protests for money. This led to a defamation case against her in Punjab. Additionally, a significant incident occurred when a CISF woman personnel slapped Kangana at Chandigarh airport allegedly for her comments on the farmers’ protest, escalating the controversy further.
Meanwhile, in Jalandhar, Sikh organisations staged a protest at the PVR in MBD Mall against the film. The protestors alleged that the film contained derogatory remarks about the Sikh community. Harpal Singh Chadda, a representative of the Sikh Coordination Committee, stated that the film misrepresented Sikhs and was anti-Sikh. He also alleged that Kangana Ranaut had made statements against the Sikh community. The Sikh groups have announced their intention to file a case against Kangana Ranaut in Jalandhar over the film. They have made it clear that they will not allow the film to be screened in any theatre across Punjab.
Harpal Chadda confirmed that an application will be submitted to file a case against Kangana Ranaut in Jalandhar. ACP Special Branch Barjinder Singh mentioned that the administration had already instructed that the film should not be released in Jalandhar. Discussions with PVR Mall officials have ensured that the film will not be screened there.