Kangana Ranaut agrees to CBFC cuts for 'Emergency' certification

Mumbai: Actor-producer Kangana Ranaut has agreed to make the cuts suggested by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for her upcoming movie "Emergency." This development was shared with the Bombay High Court on Monday by the CBFC.

The Bombay High Court's division bench of Justices BP Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla heard a petition from Zee Entertainment Enterprises, one of the movie’s co-producers. The petition sought a directive for the CBFC to issue a certificate for "Emergency," which Ranaut directed, co-produced, and starred in.

Initially set for a September 6 release, the film has faced delays due to certification issues with the CBFC. Ranaut, who portrays the role of former prime minister Indira Gandhi in the biographical drama, previously accused the CBFC of purposefully stalling the certification process.


Concerns arose from some Sikh organizations, including the Shiromani Akali Dal, alleging misrepresentation of their community and inaccuracies in the film's historical depiction.

Advocate Sharan Jagtiani, representing Zee Entertainment, informed the court that Ranaut had discussed and agreed to the changes requested by the CBFC. He said, “The matter has been agreed and discussed between her (Kangana) and the CBFC.”

Zee Entertainment requested more time to verify the specific cuts to be made. CBFC counsel Abhinav Chandrachud assured the bench that the cuts would minimally impact the film’s duration.

Most changes have been agreed upon by Ranaut's production company, Manikarnika Films. The court has postponed further proceedings to October 3, giving both parties time to finalize instructions.

Zee Entertainment's plea claims the CBFC prepared the certification but withheld its issuance. The plea suggested political motives linked to the upcoming elections in Haryana might be a factor. However, the court questioned why the ruling party would target Ranaut, who is a BJP MP.