Kangana Ranaut’s highly anticipated political biopic Emergency—centered on former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the turbulent period of Emergency (1975-1977)—recently received a green light for release from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), but not without substantial modifications. According to an insider source at CBFC, the film underwent several cuts and changes, particularly in scenes relating to Sikh leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, as well as in the portrayal of violence and other political dialogues. This news follows multiple delays and revisions for the movie as the filmmakers navigated controversies around historical representation and sensitivity.
One of the primary areas of alteration involved scenes featuring Bhindranwale, a prominent and polarizing figure in Indian politics. Originally, Emergency included dialogues directly mentioning Bhindranwale by name. However, the CBFC requested that his name be replaced in some instances, with “Woh” (meaning “He”) as a substitute to lessen the intensity of the depiction. Another scene where a chant of “Sant Bhindranwale Zindabad” was initially scripted was altered, retaining only the “Zindabad” chant to reduce direct references. Additionally, a line in which Bhindranwale characterizes himself as not being a puppet of the Congress party was modified to further neutralize any potentially controversial implications.
The violence depicted in Emergency was also adjusted to comply with CBFC standards, particularly a sequence involving gunfire in front of a bus, which was removed entirely. The CBFC has consistently placed restrictions on explicit violence in biopics or politically charged films to minimize viewer distress and uphold its guidelines on age-appropriate content. These modifications were part of an effort to make the film suitable for broader audiences, aligning the film’s tone with both historical accuracy and viewer sensitivity.
One significant factor in the CBFC’s stringent review of Emergency was feedback from certain Sikh groups, who alleged that the movie presented their community in a way that might fuel discord and misinterpret historical events. Responding to these concerns, the CBFC recommended several key disclaimers. First, the board requested that the film include an introductory slate specifying that it is based on true events but incorporates dramatic transformations. Additionally, it asked for separate slates to cite the sources of all archival footage and documentary evidence shown in the film. This measure is intended to ensure viewers understand the creative liberties taken and to preempt any misinterpretation of the historical context or real-life characters portrayed.
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The CBFC also highlighted the need for additional documentation and references for specific scenes involving prominent Indian political figures. For example, in one scene where Jawaharlal Nehru comments on Assam, the board requested factual substantiation, which was duly provided by the filmmakers. Similarly, a dialogue between Sanjay Gandhi and Giani Zail Singh also underwent scrutiny, with the CBFC requiring that the content be adequately backed up by historical records to maintain credibility.
Altogether, the CBFC’s Revising Committee approved cuts totaling around 35 seconds, while another 28 seconds of footage was modified or replaced to adhere to its guidelines. These adjustments reflect a balance between maintaining the integrity of historical events and ensuring that the film does not inadvertently stoke divisive sentiments among the audience.
Despite these alterations, Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency is set to present a detailed exploration of one of India’s most controversial political eras, focusing on Gandhi’s political journey and the lasting repercussions of the Emergency period on the country. The CBFC’s approval marks a critical step for Ranaut, who not only stars in the movie but also serves as its director. As the film gears up for its release, it remains a highly anticipated piece for audiences intrigued by Indian political history, and the conversations surrounding it are expected to continue well beyond the big screen.
The journey of Emergency from inception to certification has showcased the delicate process of filmmaking in politically and culturally sensitive areas, emphasizing the importance of responsible storytelling. With the CBFC’s recent decisions, Ranaut’s project will now bring her interpretation of this historical period to the public, albeit with a touch more caution and sensitivity to India’s complex socio-political fabric.
