SGPC Calls for Ban on Kangana Ranaut’s Film Emergency Ahead of Release in Punjab

Ahead of the much-anticipated release of Kangana Ranaut’s movie Emergency, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has strongly urged the Punjab government to impose a ban on the film, citing concerns over its portrayal of Sikhs and sensitive historical events. Harjinder Singh Dhami, the president of SGPC, wrote a letter to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, requesting the state government to take immediate action to prevent the screening of the movie, which is scheduled to hit theaters on January 17.

The film, which revolves around the life and political career of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, has been embroiled in controversy ever since its trailer was released. Sikh organizations, particularly the SGPC and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), have expressed their displeasure, alleging that the movie misrepresents the Sikh community and distorts historical facts, particularly surrounding the period of Emergency (1975-77) imposed by Indira Gandhi. The SGPC, in its protests, accuses the film of an anti-Sikh agenda, claiming that it spreads venomous narratives against the community.

In his letter to the chief minister, Dhami outlined the SGPC’s concerns and emphasized that the film undermines the Sikh community’s dignity. He referred to the film’s omissions of key historical events, such as the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and the attacks on sacred Sikh shrines like Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) and Akal Takht Sahib. The SGPC president expressed that such omissions present a skewed version of history, which could anger Sikh sentiments both in Punjab and across the globe.

“The movie is part of a larger scheme to defame the Sikh community and distort its history. The film fails to acknowledge the atrocities committed against Sikhs, particularly during the infamous Operation Blue Star in 1984, when the Indian military stormed the Golden Temple,” the letter read. Dhami reiterated that the SGPC had already submitted a resolution to the Punjab government, demanding a ban on the film’s screening, but lamented that no action had been taken thus far.

The controversy deepened with the film’s portrayal of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a controversial Sikh leader. The trailer sparked outrage among Sikh groups, with many criticizing the depiction of Bhindranwale as distorted and disrespectful to his legacy. Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh condemned the portrayal, stating, “Sikhs cannot tolerate the disrespect shown to their martyrs in any form, including in films. The character of Bhindranwale in this movie is a misrepresentation of the truth.”

The SGPC’s opposition to Emergency is not limited to its depiction of Sikh leaders and historical events but also extends to the broader portrayal of the Sikh community. Sikh leaders argue that the film fuels stereotypes and promotes a narrative that casts the community in a negative light. To express their dissatisfaction, SGPC representatives have submitted memorandums to deputy commissioners in various districts of Punjab, reinforcing their demand for a ban.

In a bid to escalate the protest, the SGPC also issued a legal notice to the filmmakers on August 27, 2024, requesting the removal of the film’s trailer from social media platforms and the public domain. The notice demanded an apology from the filmmakers for the offense caused to the Sikh community, as well as the removal of what they called “objectionable” scenes from the final version of the film.

The film’s release had originally been scheduled for September 2024 but was delayed after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) withheld its clearance, citing the need for modifications. The film’s producers agreed to make several changes to address the concerns raised by the CBFC, which subsequently granted the necessary certification.

Despite the modifications, Sikh groups continue to protest, maintaining that the film, even in its altered form, still perpetuates harmful stereotypes and falsifies history. With the release date now confirmed for January 17, the SGPC has vowed to intensify their protests if the film is not banned. They have warned of widespread demonstrations across Punjab, including outside theaters, if the movie is shown as planned.

The SGPC’s call for a ban has sparked a larger debate over the role of cinema in shaping public perceptions of historical events and communities. While some defend the film as a work of fiction and a reflection of historical events, others view it as an attempt to rewrite history and marginalize communities. In this context, Emergency has become more than just a film release; it has become a flashpoint for broader political and cultural tensions in India, particularly concerning the portrayal of Sikh identity and the events of the 1980s.

As the situation continues to develop, all eyes will be on the Punjab government to see how it responds to the demands for a ban and whether the protests escalate as anticipated.

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