Makers of Emergency are considering CBFC’s Revising Committee’s changes and cuts 

Advocate Sharan Jagtiani for Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited, submitted to the Bombay High Court that the cuts and modifications suggested by the CBFC is being discussed by the co-producer of the film Kangana Ranaut and the Revising Board of CBFC

The Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC) on Monday [September 30, 2024], informed the Division Bench of Justices, Burgess Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla of the Bombay High Court that the makers of film, Emergency, have agreed to make the cuts suggested by the CBFC’s Revising Committee but the final decision on the proposed cuts would be made in a few days’ time.   

Representing Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited, advocate Sharan Jagtiani submitted to the High Court that the cuts and modifications suggested by the CBFC is being discussed by the co-producer of the film Kangana Ranaut and the Revising Board of CBFC. 

“The co-producer has informed us that some cuts have been decided upon. Ms. Kangana Ranaut has informed us through an email that she met CBFC and has agreed to the cuts. She has said that the matter is now between her and the censor board. But the co-producers require time to figure out ways to make and implement the cuts.” Mr. Jagtiani submitted a copy of the email to the Bench.  

Representing CBFC, advocate Abhinav Chandrachud argued that the cuts would barely make a difference in the film, “The cuts and changes suggested by the CBFC would not even affect a minute duration of the film that is over two-hour-long. The suggested changes and cuts are for the words here and there, they are very minor. The Revising Committee has asked them to delete certain words, sentences, provide information in certain scenes and tone down a scene of violence that represents Sikh community.” Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Chandrachud said, “Ms. Ranaut’s team is asking whether instead of doing the cuts if they can use a different words/ sentences in the film. The discussion is going on with the Revising Committee.” 

Hearing both the sides, the Bench asked the parties to obtain proper instructions on the same and adjourned the matter till Thursday [October 3, 2024].  

On September 26, 2024, the CBFC, told the High Court that actor-politician Kangana Ranaut’s movie, Emergency will get a certificate only after the makers of the film make required cuts as suggested by the Revising Committee. The CBFC representative, advocate Abhinav Chandrachud said in court, “CBFC’s revising committee has suggested certain cuts in the film. If the same are made, the film can be released.” 

On September 19, 2024, senior advocate Venkatesh Dhond representing Zee, told the High Court that. Ranaut, an actor, filmmaker and politician serving as a Lok Sabha Member of Parliament from Mandi since June 2024 is facing difficulties at the behest of the Bharatiya Janta Party [BJP] and that the party does not want a film which hurts the sentiments of certain communities by a BJP member at a time when elections are around.  

Published - September 30, 2024 12:24 pm IST