Kangana Ranaut’s political thriller Emergency is facing more trouble, this time in the UK. After months of struggles to get censor board approval, the film is now dealing with protests in parts of England.
These protests have led to cancelled screenings in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and areas of West London, including Feltham and Hounslow.
Theatres In UK Temporarily Halt Emergency Screening
The film, based on a significant chapter in Indian political history, has caused anger among some sections of the Sikh community in the UK. Videos online show protesters stopping screenings, chanting slogans, and clashing with viewers. To prevent further chaos, some theatre chains have decided to stop showing the film temporarily.
Over the weekend, Sher-E-Punjab, a Sikh community group, posted on social media that Vue Cinemas confirmed they had cancelled screenings of Emergency at certain locations.
Kangana Ranaut Starrer Seen As Anti-Sikh Propaganda Film
The Sikh Press Association (Sikh PA) has strongly criticised the film, accusing it of promoting anti-Sikh propaganda.
In a statement, they said, “The film is viewed as anti-Sikh Indian state propaganda for its depiction of ex-PM Indira Gandhi’s role in the Sikh genocide. She was the PM who initiated the Sikh genocide before her assassination by her Sikh bodyguards. The film is released at a time where Sikh censorship and anti-Sikh propaganda are strongly pushed by India. Yet a film biopic on revered Shaheed Jaswant Singh Khalra, who exposed the genocide as it continued into the ’90s, has faced severe restrictions in its release.”
The controversy centres on the film’s portrayal of Indira Gandhi, the Prime Minister who imposed the Emergency in India during the 1970s. Critics argue that the story downplays the violence against Sikhs during that period.
Kangana Ranaut has not addressed the UK protests directly. However, she previously spoke about the challenges her film has faced. Referring to an earlier backlash in Punjab, she described it as “harassment” and suggested it was an organised effort to damage her reputation.
About Emergency
Emergency is a historical drama set during India’s Emergency period from 1975 to 1977. Directed by and starring Kangana Ranaut as Indira Gandhi, the film explores this controversial time in Indian politics. It features an ensemble cast and was released on 17 January after facing delays.
The film has sparked intense debates in India and abroad, with its journey marked by continuous hurdles and polarising responses.
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