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CBFC orders 13 cuts to Kangana Ranaut's Emergency, Citing complaints from Sikh groups

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has raised concerns about Kangana Ranaut's upcoming political drama Emergency suggesting 13 cuts after granting it a UA certificate. The proposed changes include removing scenes and a dialogue referencing Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale a prominent figure in the Khalistan movement. This decision comes in response to complaints from Sikh groups who argue that the film depicts the Sikh community unfavourably.

The Central Board of Film Certification has requested a number of important modifications to the movie Emergency, involving alterations in both visuals and storytelling. Here’s a summary of eight major edits suggested by the board:

1. The CBFC has requested the addition of a disclaimer clarifying that the events in the film are "inspired by true events" or represent a "dramatic transformation" of real events during the Emergency. The board emphasized that viewers should be aware that the film is not entirely factual.

2. A scene featuring Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru discussing China cutting off Assam from India has been flagged. The board has asked the filmmakers to provide historical evidence to support this claim, questioning the scene’s authenticity.

3. A controversial dialogue between Bhindranwale and Sanjay Gandhi in which Bhindranwale says "Tawadi Party nu vote chaide ne, te sanu chaindayye Khalistan" (Your party wants votes, and we want Khalistan) has been asked to be removed. The CBFC expressed concern that the conversation appeared to imply a negotiation, and has asked the filmmakers for the source of this depiction.

4. Several scenes referring to Bhindranwale as 'sant' or 'saint' have been ordered to be cut. These scenes feature interactions between Sanjay Gandhi, President Giani Zail Singh, and Indira Gandhi discussing Bhindranwale.

5. The board has requested the toning down of violent scenes, particularly those showing Sikhs committing violence against non-Sikhs. One scene showing Sikhs shooting a non-Sikh man in front of a bus has been flagged for removal.

6. A reference to Arjun Divas, a day linked to the martyrdom of the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan, in a conversation between Indira Gandhi and the Army chief, has been ordered to be removed. The board argued that the Sikh religion does not recognize this term.

7. The board has asked the filmmakers to insert disclaimers wherever real-life footage is used, to avoid open-ended interpretations by the audience.

8. The CBFC has demanded that the filmmakers provide factual evidence for all historical statements and references used throughout the film.

Zee Entertainment, the company responsible for producing Emergency, has asked for some time to assess the proposed modifications. Although the CBFC has granted a U/A certificate they are adamant that the edits should be implemented prior to the films debut. The creators of the film now find themselves at a crossroads where they must choose whether to comply with the changes contest them legally or engage in discussions with the board to reach a potential middle ground.

Currently, there has been no response from Kangana Ranaut or any other members of the Emergency team regarding the suggestions made by the CBFC.

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