Kangana Ranaut alleges ‘Harassment of artist’ amid Emergency film row
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Cinemas in Punjab postponed the screening of Kangana Ranaut's Emergency on Friday due to protests by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, along with different Sikh organisations and Congress officials demanding a ban, even with Ranaut's claim that it was "complete harassment of art and the artiste".
The film, co-produced by Ranaut, the BJP's Mandi MP, was released on Friday. The SGPC demonstrated outside cinemas, multiplexes, and shopping malls throughout the state. All theatres decided not to screen.
SGPC Chief Secretary Kulwant Singh Manan stated, “Following SGPC’s objections and demonstrations, theatres have decided not to screen the film. We welcome the decision”, Indian Express reported.
In the wake of protests, scheduled shows in Amritsar were cancelled by PVR. Gagandeep Singh, ACP (Crime), Amritsar, said, “The movie is not being screened. We spoke to the manager and he came out and announced the movie is not being screened.”
Referring to SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami's letter to CM Bhagwant Mann seeking a ban on the film, SGPC secretary Partap Singh accused the AAP administration of purposefully neglecting Sikh concerns.
According to a top government official, the state does not have a policy for banning films. “The CM hasn’t issued any orders. There is no ban as of now… cinema owners have themselves not screened the movie,” the official said.
Congress leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, requesting a ban on the movies, said on X, “Given the already fragile law and order situation in the state, the AAP government should consider imposing a complete ban on the film.”
Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa said, “It distorts historical facts and promotes a biased narrative…”
Meanwhile, Ranaut said, “This is complete harassment of art and the artist… from Punjab, many cities are reporting these people are not allowing Emergency to be screened. I have utmost respect for all religions and after studying and growing up in Chandigarh, I have closely observed and followed Sikh religion. This is a complete lie and propaganda to tarnish my image and harm my film.”