The High Court was reviewing a petition filed by Zee Entertainment Enterprises, the co-producers of the movie, requesting the release of the censor certificate to enable the film’s release.

Mumbai: Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut’s Latest Film Emergency Can Be Released with “Some Cuts,” Says Censor Board

Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut’s latest film, Emergency, can be released with “some cuts” as recommended by the Censor Board of Film Certification’s revision committee, the Bombay High Court was informed on Thursday afternoon.

The film, originally scheduled for release on September 6, faced delays due to complaints alleging historical inaccuracies and misrepresentation of the Sikh community. The movie is based on the 1975 Emergency declared by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. According to government sources, “there is some sensitive content” and “religious sentiments cannot be hurt.”

The High Court was hearing a petition from the movie’s co-producers, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, seeking the release of the censor certificate to allow the film to hit the screens.

Last week the court directed the CBFC to take a final call, accepting the film ratings body’s reservations but noting “it is not for CBFC to decide whether this affects public order”.

Justice BP Colabwalla, one of two judges in the division bench hearing this case, pointed out Ms Ranaut’s production is not a documentary, and asked, “Do you think public is so naive they will believe everything in a movie? What about creative freedom?”

The court emphasized that the CBFC “can’t sit on the fence” and urged them to make a decision. “Take a decision. Let’s see what the revising committee says—whether it’s to release or not, take a stand. Have the courage to say the film should not be released if that’s the case. We will appreciate the CBFC’s position,” the court stated.

Abhinav Chandrachud, counsel for the censor board, informed the court that some scenes in the film depict a polarizing figure striking deals with political parties. “We need to verify if this is factually accurate,” he said, while clarifying that the movie does not carry any “political angle.”

Earlier, the matter was brought before the Madhya Pradesh High Court when two Sikh organizations filed a PIL. In response, the CBFC informed the court that the movie had not yet been issued a certificate.

The court then dismissed that petition.

Kangana Ranaut, who has been embroiled in previous controversies with the Congress over her comments about the party’s Himachal Pradesh government, Sonia Gandhi, and the farmers’ protests, revealed she had to sell property due to the delay in receiving the censor certificate.

“I had staked my personal property on this film… which was supposed to release in theatres. Now it’s not releasing, so the property is there, to be sold off in difficult times,” she shared on X.

Kangana Ranaut takes on the role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in Emergency. The film also features a strong ensemble cast, including Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, Mahima Chaudhry, and Milind Soman in key roles.

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