Censor clears Kangana film with cuts, fact check

NEW DELHI: Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has granted 'U/A' certificate to Kangana Ranaut's film 'Emergency' but asked it for three specific cuts and verification of certain historical claims.

The claims included quotes attributed to former US President Richard Nixon and former British PM Winston Churchill, which were disparaging towards Indian women and population growth, respectively. A 'U/A' rating means the film is appropriate for all ages with parental guidance.

Manikarnika Films Pvt Ltd submitted the film for certification on July 8 and on Aug 8, CBFC communicated 10 changes for 'U/A' certification. The cuts included removal or modification of visuals depicting Pakistani soldiers attacking Bangladeshi refugees, scenes involving infants and women casualties. The committee also sought replacement of an expletive and change in a family's surname mentioned in the film.

Further, the filmmakers were asked to provide factual sources for the controversial quotes attributed to Nixon and Churchill, as well as research references, statistical data, details on Bangladeshi refugees, court judgments and permissions for using archival footage of 'Operation Bluestar'. The producers responded on Aug 14, agreeing to all but one of the cuts and providing the requested sources.

The film's trailer featured Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale promising votes for Indira Gandhi's party in exchange for a separate Khalistan state. This sparked strong reactions from Sikh organisations, who approached CBFC and courts to stop the film's release, expressing concern over the portrayal of Sikhs.

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