Pro-Khalistan activists storm Kangana’s 'Emergency' screening in London

Pro-Khalistan activists disrupted the screening of Kangana Ranaut’s directorial debut 'Emergency' in London on Sunday, January 19, halting the movie at a Harrow cinema hall near Wembley. The activists, who covered their faces, stormed the theater, chanting Khalistani slogans and attempted to obstruct the projection. Videos from the incident show the group clashing verbally with moviegoers.

Earlier in the week, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) staged protests outside cinemas in several parts of Punjab, opposing the film’s release, which led to the film being banned in many locations. 'Emergency', where Ranaut portrays former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, focuses on the 21-month period of the Emergency from 1975 to 1977.

In a related development, 'Emergency' was also pulled from release in Bangladesh due to the tense political relationship between India and Bangladesh. Sources close to the matter explained that the decision was influenced more by the ongoing political dynamics than the film’s content. The movie delves into India’s role in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, where Indira Gandhi played a pivotal role. Despite pressure from the USA, which threatened a naval offensive in the Bay of Bengal, India’s support for Bangladesh's independence was crucial. India’s alignment with the USSR during this period further solidified its geopolitical stance.

'Emergency' highlights the Indian Army's involvement in the 1971 conflict and the support given to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh’s founding leader, who famously called Indira Gandhi "Goddess Durga." The film also touches upon the tragic assassination of Sheikh Mujib by Bangladeshi extremists, a factor believed to have contributed to the film’s ban in Bangladesh.