The Central Board of Film Certification on Monday has informed the Bombay High Court that actor-producer Kangana Ranaut has consented to the cuts suggested for her film “Emergency.”
A division bench comprising Justices BP Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla was addressing a petition filed by Zee Entertainment Enterprises, the film’s co-producer, seeking a directive for the CBFC to issue a certification for the movie.
Initially scheduled for release on September 6, “Emergency” has faced delays due to the CBFC’s non-issuance of the required certification. Ranaut, who directed, co-produced, and stars as former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, has accused the CBFC of stalling the certification process to postpone the film’s release.
The biographical drama has drawn controversy, with some Sikh organizations, including the Shiromani Akali Dal, objecting to its portrayal of historical events and alleging misrepresentation of the Sikh community.
During the hearing, advocate Sharan Jagtiani, representing Zee Entertainment, stated that Ranaut has communicated her agreement to the CBFC’s proposed changes. However, he noted that Zee Entertainment requires additional time to confirm the specific cuts to be made. Ranaut’s production company, Manikarnika Films, is also co-producing the movie.
CBFC counsel Abhinav Chandrachud assured the bench that the suggested cuts would not reduce the film’s length and that most changes have already been accepted by Manikarnika Films.
The court has adjourned the matter until October 3, instructing both parties to seek proper guidance. Zee Entertainment’s plea asserts that the CBFC has already prepared the certification for the film but has refrained from issuing it. The company has previously claimed that the certification delay may be politically motivated, particularly with the upcoming elections in Haryana.
The bench raised questions regarding the rationale behind the ruling party’s potential opposition to Ranaut, who is a Member of Parliament from the BJP.
