Emergency Update: ‘Certificate Can Be Issued To Kangana Ranaut’s Film After Cuts,’ Censor Board Tells HC

Emergency Update: On Thursday, the Central Board of Film Certification informed the Bombay High Court that Kangana Ranaut’s film Emergency would receive a certification if certain cuts recommended by its revising committee are made. Originally set for release on September 6, the film has faced delays due to certification issues with the censor board. Ranaut, who directed, co-produced, and stars as former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, has accused the CBFC of intentionally stalling the certification process to hinder the film’s release.

The biographical drama has sparked controversy, particularly from Sikh organizations, including the Shiromani Akali Dal, which claim the film misrepresents their community and distorts historical facts. A division bench of Justices B P Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla last week come down heavily on the CBFC for not taking a decision on the issuance of certificate for the movie.

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The High Court previously stated that the censor board cannot remain indecisive and must make a clear decision, as inaction would infringe upon the freedom of speech and expression. The court instructed the CBFC to reach a decision by September 25.

Zee Entertainment Enterprises, co-producer of Kangana Ranaut’s film ‘Emergency,’ approached the High Court requesting the CBFC to grant a certification for the movie. During the proceedings on Thursday, the bench inquired if the CBFC had any ‘good news’ regarding the film. CBFC counsel Abhinav Chandrachud informed the court that the revising committee had reached a decision.

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He noted that the committee proposed certain cuts that need to be made before a certificate could be issued for the film’s release. Senior counsel Sharan Jagtiani, representing Zee Entertainment, requested additional time to consider whether the suggested cuts would be acceptable. The bench subsequently scheduled the matter for further hearing on September 30.

In its plea, Zee Entertainment asserted that the CBFC had already prepared the certification for the film but was withholding it. Last week, Zee claimed that the delay was politically motivated, linked to the upcoming elections in Haryana. The bench questioned why the ruling party would act against Ranaut, who is herself a BJP MP.