The release of Kangana Ranaut’s highly anticipated political drama Emergency has been postponed. Originally scheduled to hit theaters on September 6, 2024, the film has faced several roadblocks, including certification delays and controversies surrounding its content.
The news was confirmed by trade analyst Taran Adarsh, who took to Instagram to share the update: “#BreakingNews… #Emergency postponed… Won’t release on 6 Sept 2024. #ZeeStudios #KanganaRanaut.”
Emergency, a biographical political thriller, focuses on the life of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the 21-month emergency period she imposed from 1975 to 1977. The film, which Kangana Ranaut has both directed and starred in, has been at the center of multiple controversies leading up to its release.
One of the major hurdles has been the film’s certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Despite earlier reports suggesting that the film had received clearance, Kangana recently revealed that the certification is still on hold. In a social media post, she addressed the issue, stating, “There have been rumors circulating that my film Emergency has been certified by the Censor Board. This is not true. While our film did receive clearance from the CBFC, the certification was on hold due to numerous death threats against members of the censor board.”
Kangana further expressed her frustration with the pressure to remove certain scenes from the film, including the assassination of Indira Gandhi and the Punjab riots. “There is pressure being put on us to remove certain scenes… What are we supposed to do—blackout the film during these scenes? This is unbelievable to me, and I am deeply sorry for the current state of thinking in this country,” she added.
The film has also faced backlash from several Sikh groups, contributing to the challenges surrounding its release. Despite these issues, the team behind Emergency remains optimistic about the film’s future.
Divya Khossla, an actor and director, recently expressed her support for Kangana amid the ongoing controversy. Speaking to ANI, she said, “I think it takes a lot of hard work to make a film. It’s not an easy job. Kangana has acted and directed the film. So, hats off to her.”
This postponement follows an earlier delay when Kangana, who also has political responsibilities, postponed the release to focus on her fervent campaign for the Lok Sabha elections. After her victory in the elections in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, she announced the September 6 release date with much fanfare, only to face this latest setback.
Produced by Zee Studios and Manikarnika Films, Emergency is set against the backdrop of one of India’s most tumultuous political periods. The film promises to be a compelling portrayal of historical events, and despite the postponement, there is still significant anticipation surrounding its eventual release.