Kangana Ranaut confirms postponement of her directorial debut movie 'Emergency'

Actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut announced on Friday that the release of her much-anticipated film "Emergency" has been postponed due to pending certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Initially slated for release on September 6, the new release date will be announced soon. The decision comes after the Bombay High Court stated it could not direct the CBFC to issue the certificate, aligning with an earlier MP High Court order.

Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter), Kangana Ranaut wrote, "With a heavy heart I announce that my directorial Emergency has been postponed, we are still waiting for the certification from censor board, new release date will be announced soon, thanks for your understanding and patience."



On September 1, trade analyst Taran Adarsh also shared the news about the film's postponement on Instagram. "BreakingNews... Emergency postponed... Won't release on 6 Sept 2024. #ZeeStudios #KanganaRanaut," he wrote.

The film is a biographical political thriller that explores the life of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who imposed a 21-month emergency period from 1975 to 1977. Kangana Ranaut portrays Indira Gandhi in the movie. "Emergency" has faced several controversies, including backlash from several Sikh groups. The CBFC's certification delay has contributed to these complications.

The Bombay High Court, during a hearing on Wednesday, said it could not direct the CBFC to issue the certificate, as this would contradict the MP High Court's order. The court has asked the CBFC to make a decision by September 18, with the next hearing scheduled for September 19.

Zee Entertainment Enterprises, the co-producer of "Emergency," had approached the Bombay High Court seeking the release of the film and a censor certificate. A petition was filed claiming that the CBFC had arbitrarily and illegally withheld the film's censor certificate.

The MP High Court had previously directed the CBFC to consider the representations made by Sikh groups who had filed a petition against the film. This added another layer to the ongoing certification issues surrounding "Emergency."

After the Bombay High Court declined to order the certification of the film, Kangana Ranaut expressed her frustration. She remarked that she had become a target because of her efforts to "awaken the sleeping nation."

"Today I have become everyone's favourite target, this is the price you pay for awakening this sleeping nation, they don't know what I am talking about they have no clue why I am so concerned, because they want peace, they don't want to take sides. They are cool, you know chilled!! Ha ha wish that poor soldier on the border had the same privilege of being cool, wish he didn't have to take sides, and consider Pakistanis/Chinese his enemies. He is protecting you while you can lust over terrorists or anti-nationals," she wrote.

"Wish that young woman whose crime was only that she was alone on the road and was raped to pieces, she was probably a gentle and kind person who loved humanity but was her humanity reciprocated? Wish all the robbers and criminals were also having the same love and affection like this cool and sleeping generation but the truth of life is something else. Don't worry they are coming for you if some of us also become cool like you all they will get you and then you will know the importance of uncool people," she added.

The actor's passionate remarks underline the contentious atmosphere surrounding the film's release. The situation underscores the complex and multi-faceted issues filmmakers face when navigating the intricacies of certification processes, public sentiment, and legal challenges. As of now, the film's release date remains uncertain, and stakeholders await the CBFC's decision.