Kangana Ranaut reacted to the Bombay High Court's criticism of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for delaying the certification of her upcoming film "Emergency." The film, which was initially scheduled to release on September 6, 2024, has now been postponed by two weeks following a directive from the court.
The Bombay High Court's division bench, consisting of Justices B P Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla, addressed the matter on Wednesday. They accepted the producer's contention that the certification for the film was ready but had not been issued. The court found the CBFC's argument that the certification was delayed because it had not been signed by the chairperson to be unsatisfactory. According to the bench, if not for an order from the Madhya Pradesh High Court directing the CBFC to consider objections raised against the film, the Bombay High Court would have instructed the board to issue the certificate immediately.
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Kangana Ranaut, who not only stars in but also directs "Emergency," took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express her views on the matter. She shared a tweet from Live Law, commenting on the court's decision. In her post, Kangana stated, "High court has blasted censor for illegally withholding the certificate of #emergency." Her statement highlights her frustration with the CBFC and aligns with the court's criticism of the board's handling of the film's certification.
The delay in the release of "Emergency" has been attributed to the objections raised by various Sikh organizations, including the Shiromani Akali Dal. These groups have accused the film of misrepresenting their community and distorting historical facts. In response to these concerns, the Madhya Pradesh High Court directed the CBFC to thoroughly consider the objections before granting the film its certification.
During the court hearing, the judges emphasized that the certification was essentially ready and available online to the film's makers. They criticized the CBFC's reasoning for withholding it, stating that the absence of the chairperson's signature was not a valid excuse. The court's remarks reflect a broader frustration with bureaucratic delays that can impact creative projects and their timely release.
Zee Entertainment Enterprises, the producer of "Emergency," had approached the Bombay High Court seeking intervention in the certification process. The court's decision to delay the release and order a re-evaluation of the film's content underscores the importance of balancing creative expression with sensitivity to cultural and community concerns.
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The controversy surrounding "Emergency" is not the first time Kangana Ranaut has faced challenges with her films. Known for her outspoken nature and willingness to tackle controversial subjects, Kangana has often been at the center of public and media attention. Her response to the court's decision demonstrates her determination to see the film released without further hindrance.
"Emergency," which is a biographical drama, has already generated significant interest due to its subject matter and Kangana's involvement both in front of and behind the camera. The film delves into a critical period in India's history, exploring themes that are likely to resonate with audiences while also sparking debate.
As the new release date of September 18 approaches, all eyes will be on how the CBFC handles the remaining objections and whether "Emergency" will finally receive its certification. The court's directive to the CBFC to issue the certificate by this date, barring any unresolved issues, sets a clear timeline for the film's release.
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