Introduction: Tension Erupts Over Emergency Movie Release in Punjab
The release of the film Emergency, directed and starring Kangana Ranaut, has sparked strong protests across Punjab. The political drama, which focuses on India’s Emergency period from 1975 to 1977, has drawn criticism from Sikh organizations. They argue that the film misrepresents the Sikh community and portrays it in a negative light.
Controversy Surrounding Emergency Film
The controversy began just before the film’s release on Friday. Harjinder Singh Dhami, the chief of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), sent a letter to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, urging the government to ban the film. In his letter, Dhami accused the movie of being politically motivated and aimed at defaming the Sikh community. The film’s depiction of the Emergency period has raised concerns, and many feel it twists historical facts.
Protests Break Out Across Punjab
As the film hit theaters, protests broke out at various cinema halls across Punjab. Sikh activists gathered outside theaters in cities like Jalandhar, Amritsar, and Bathinda to demand the movie be pulled from screens. In Jalandhar, protesters even barged into cinema halls and forced the management to stop the advance booking of the film. The police were quickly called in to maintain order, and security was stepped up around multiplexes and malls.
Police Deployments and Security Measures
To prevent violence, the police increased their presence in and around cinemas. In Jalandhar, Commissioner of Police Swapan Sharma confirmed that meetings had been held with cinema authorities to ensure the film wasn’t screened. “We are doing this to avoid any law and order issues,” Sharma said, explaining that the protests could lead to further unrest. Police were also stationed outside popular cinemas in Amritsar and Bathinda to maintain peace.
Emergency Screening Halted in Multiple Locations
Due to the protests, several cinemas in Punjab decided not to screen the movie. In Bathinda, the multiplex scheduled to show Emergency on Friday evening canceled the screenings after protests erupted outside. Moviegoers who had already purchased tickets were refunded. In Mohali, local authorities even directed mall owners not to screen the film, and protests continued outside malls and multiplexes in Zirakpur, where heavy police force was deployed.
Allegations Against Kangana Ranaut
The protests against the film are not just about its content; many of the protesters are also angry over comments made by Kangana Ranaut in the past. Ranaut has been accused of making controversial remarks during the 2020 farmers’ protests. These statements were seen as offensive by many, including those in the Sikh community, leading to further resentment.
Protesters have demanded that the government take action against the actress and filmmaker for her alleged offensive remarks. Ranaut’s past involvement in the political and social debates, including her comments about the farmers’ protest, has fueled the anger of Sikh activists.
Political Leaders Speak Out
As the situation escalated, political leaders also joined the conversation. Punjab Congress chief and MP, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, criticized the film for distorting facts. He compared Emergency to the controversial Udta Punjab, which was criticized for its portrayal of Punjab’s drug problem. Warring argued that films like these twist historical truths and harm the unity and brotherhood of the nation.
“The film won’t succeed if it doesn’t have drama, and such films hurt the brotherhood in the country,” he said, emphasizing the need for stricter oversight on films that may damage social harmony.
Conclusion: A Tense Situation Over the Film’s Impact
The protests against Emergency in Punjab show that the film has touched a nerve. With strong reactions from Sikh groups and political leaders, the situation remains tense. While the movie was meant to depict a turbulent time in India’s history, it has become a flashpoint for debate on how historical events are portrayed and whether films should be allowed to distort facts for dramatic effect.
As protests continue and cinemas cancel screenings, the future of Emergency in Punjab remains uncertain. What started as a film release has now become a larger conversation about history, representation, and the power of cinema to shape public opinion. The next steps in this ongoing debate will determine whether the film will be shown in the state or face further opposition.
