“Working Out Issues With CBFC Over Certificate For ‘Emergency’ Film”: Zee Entertainment Tells Bombay HC

Zee Entertainment Enterprises, co-producer of Kangana Ranaut’s film Emergency, informed the Bombay High Court on Thursday that it is currently negotiating with the Central Board of Film Certification regarding the issuance of a release certificate for the movie.

Initially scheduled for release on September 6, the film has faced significant hurdles related to the CBFC’s refusal to issue the necessary certification.

Last week, the CBFC conveyed to the High Court that Emergency could be released if certain cuts, recommended by the board’s revising committee, were made. During Thursday’s hearing, senior counsel Sharan Jagtiani addressed a division bench of Justices B.P. Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla, stating that the parties involved were working towards a resolution.

“I believe it is working out between the CBFC and respondent 2 (Ranaut’s Manikarnika Films, co-producer),” Jagtiani said. The bench scheduled the matter for a follow-up hearing on Friday.

Earlier this week, the bench was informed that Ranaut’s production company, Manikarnika Films, had agreed to the cuts suggested by the censor board. Zee Entertainment had approached the High Court seeking a directive for the CBFC to issue a certification for Emergency, which is a biographical drama that has attracted controversy from Sikh organizations, including the Shiromani Akali Dal. These groups have accused the film of misrepresenting the Sikh community and distorting historical facts.

In its petition, Zee Entertainment claimed that the CBFC had already prepared the certification for the film but was withholding its release. Kangana Ranaut, who directed, co-produced, and stars in the film as former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, accused the CBFC of deliberately stalling the certification process to delay the film’s release.

Moreover, Zee Entertainment alleged that the certificate was being withheld for political reasons, suggesting that the upcoming elections in Haryana might be influencing the decision. The bench raised questions about the rationale behind the ruling party, the BJP, acting against Ranaut, especially since she is a BJP Member of Parliament. This inquiry highlighted the complex interplay of politics and the film industry, particularly regarding the portrayal of historical events and figures.

As the situation continues to unfold, the outcome of these negotiations between Zee Entertainment and the CBFC will be closely watched, not only for the film’s release but also for its implications on creative expression and censorship in India.

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