Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut has agreed to make cuts to her directorial debut, Emergency, following requests from the Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC). The Bombay High Court was informed about her compliance during a hearing related to a petition by co-producers Zee Entertainment Enterprises, which sought the release of the film’s censor certificate for its theatrical debut.
The CBFC had previously recommended 13 cuts, particularly as the film portrays former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, played by Ranaut. It remains unclear whether she has agreed to all the suggested alterations.
The division bench of Justices BP Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla has scheduled further hearings for Thursday. Emergency, which was originally set to release on September 6, faced backlash over allegations of historical inaccuracies and misrepresentation of the Sikh community.
Earlier, the court directed the CBFC to finalize its decision, recognizing its reservations but clarifying that it is not the board’s role to determine the impact on public order. Justice Colabawalla emphasized that the production is not a documentary, questioning whether the audience would be misled by its content. He also urged the CBFC to make a decisive call regarding the film’s release.
In a previous statement, Kangana Ranaut expressed that while she appreciates feedback, some of the censor board’s requests appear unreasonable. She noted that historians and review committee members have praised the film as a faithful representation of the historical figure, asserting her commitment to the truth and the integrity of the story.
With a notable cast including Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, Mahima Chaudhry, and Milind Soman, Emergency depicts the controversial period of the Emergency declared by Indira Gandhi in 1975. The film is directed and co-produced by Ranaut herself.
The ongoing discussions highlight the tensions between creative freedom and regulatory oversight in the film industry, as Ranaut aims to maintain the essence of her work while adhering to the CBFC’s requirements.
Sources By Agencies
