Kangana Ranaut is again in controversy because of her latest film Emergency, Actually the Sikh community in Punjab protested against it. Historically presented, the film, directed and produced by Pooja Ranaut, tells the audience about the events connected to the emergency in India between the years 1975 and 1977 and when the Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared emergency depriving the civil liberties across the country.
What Is the Controversy?
These incidents originated based on concerns that Emergency distorts the representation of Sikh and their plight during the emergency. Some of the Sikh groups have observed that the history portrayed in the movie is unpleasant for their community. Unlike the previous communities, it is said that the film doesn’t really represent the struggles and hardships the community underwent during that time. This has prompted people coming out into the streets to protest or request that changes be made in the content of the film or the film be withdrawn in Punjab.
Protests and Reactions
People across the Punjab province came out on roads to show their anger saying the portrayal of sikhs in this particular picture is objectionable. Some groups have also accused the film for the dialogues and scenes that it contains. One protestor said during a peaceful protest in Ludhiana said “Our community has faced enough struggles, and we will not allow any misrepresentation in films,”The protests have largely been peaceful, but they have drawn significant attention. Some of the leaders from the Sikh community have been appealing to meet with the filmmakers to settle the matter while others have been calling on the government to prevail on the filmmakers to consider the feelings of the Sikh community.
Kangana Ranaut’s Response
Talking about Kangana’s response. She addressed the controversy in her own bold style. . She recently said in an interview that they intended to tell a historical narrative in the film Emergency and that the work should not be seen as an assault on any community. Further, she said, “This film is history, history of India especially during the period of the Emergency.” It is not designed to attack or offend anyone’s feelings.”Despite willing to sit down and talk with the community representatives, Ranaut stands for her work as a director vision. “When it comes to art, I am completely free when creating and expressing but I also feel for every community and their sentiments,” she said.
What’s Next?
Till this moment, there is no clear stand regarding the release of the movie in Punjab. Further negotiations between the Sikh representatives and the directors of the movies can be carried. Although the film emergency was meant to be a political drama that was going to bring out issues on one of the most volatile period in the Indian history. But it has created controversy because of the negative effect it has on the Sikh community. It remains for the future exploring how the filmmakers communicate and negotiate with the protesting groups of Sikh Community.
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