‘Emergency’ Film Faces Opposition in Punjab, SGPC Demands Ban on Kangana Ranaut’s Movie

Kangana Ranaut's highly anticipated film Emergency, scheduled to release on January 17, is facing calls for a ban in Punjab. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), a key Sikh body, has raised concerns over the film’s portrayal of Sikh history, accusing it of misrepresentation and potentially sparking outrage among the Sikh community.

SGPC's Strong Opposition to Kangana Ranaut's Emergency Film

A day before the film's release, SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami wrote to Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, urging the state government to ban the movie. Dhami emphasized that the film could cause anger and resentment within the Sikh community due to its controversial content. He stated that the SGPC would strongly oppose the release if it went ahead as planned, warning that it would be impossible to avoid protests if the film was shown.

Alleged Misrepresentation of Sikh History

The SGPC claims that Emergency undermines the Sikh community by omitting critical facts about historical events. In particular, the film is accused of not addressing the attacks on sacred Sikh sites, including the Golden Temple and Akal Takht Sahib, as well as the Sikh genocide of 1984. Dhami has stressed that these omissions contribute to an anti-Sikh agenda and further fuel resentment.

SGPC Demands Immediate Ban on Emergency Film

In a formal resolution, the SGPC has requested that the Punjab government take immediate action to ban the screening of Emergency. Despite these appeals, the state government has not yet responded to the SGPC’s concerns. With the film's release just around the corner, the SGPC remains firm in its demand for a ban, warning of strong protests if the movie is allowed to be shown in Punjab.

Emergency, directed and produced by Kangana Ranaut, had faced multiple delays before finally setting a new release date for January 17, 2025. The movie had originally been scheduled for September 2024, but its release was postponed.