'Emergency' makers agree to cuts in film after Sikh backlash, court told

The Bombay High Court was informed that the makers of Kangana Ranaut's upcoming film Emergency and the CBFC have agreed on certain cuts, following controversy over the film's portrayal of the Sikh community.

In Short

• Final decision on cuts to Emergency film soon, says makers
• Censor board notes cutting 'words here and there' would hardly impact film
• Sikh groups accuse Kangana Ranaut's film of misrepresentation

Makers of Kangana Ranaut’s upcoming directorial 'Emergency' and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) have agreed to make certain cuts to the film, the Bombay High Court was informed on Monday.

Advocates representing the film's financier told the court that a final decision regarding the proposed cuts would be made in a few days.

The film, directed, co-produced, and starring actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut, was initially set to release on September 6. However, its release has been delayed due to controversy sparked after Sikh organisations, including the Shiromani Akali Dal, accused it of misrepresenting the community and distorting historical facts.

Advocate Sharan Jagtiani, representing the film's financier, said that the CBFC had suggested several cuts and modifications, which were discussed by the board and the co-producer. Earlier reports suggested that the censor board had asked for 13 cuts in the film.

Advocate Jagtiani informed the court, "The co-producer has informed us that some cuts have been decided upon".

Counsel for the CBFC, Advocate Abhinav Chandrachud, submitted that the cuts were essentially minor changes, such as "words here and there," which would hardly impact the over two-hour-long film.

After noting that the formalities for the film’s certification are still ongoing, the bench adjourned the hearing to Thursday.

On Friday, Ranaut, who plays the lead role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the film, asserted that the CBFC's suggestions "seem quite unreasonable" and said her team is prepared to stand its ground.

"We've received requests for cuts, but while feedback is always welcome, some of the suggestions seem quite unreasonable... On the brighter side, most historians and members of the review committee who've seen it have praised it as the most faithful depiction of a leader,” Ranaut said on Friday.

The CBFC had earlier given a U/A certificate for the film, but when some groups from the Sikh community approached the Madhya Pradesh High Court, the government informed the court that a certificate had not been issued for the film.