Kangana Ranaut’s film Emergency has been at the center of heated controversy since its release. The film, which portrays the tumultuous events during India’s 21-month Emergency in 1975, has faced criticism and backlash from various groups. The latest uproar has come from British Sikh organizations, which led to the cancellation of screenings in parts of the UK.

Sikh Groups Protest in the UK

The Sikh Press Association (Sikh PA) took to social media to express their discontent, claiming the movie perpetuates an “anti-Sikh narrative.” As per reports from News18, screenings in Birmingham and Wolverhampton in England’s West Midlands region were canceled following protests. The Sikh PA further stated, “Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister who initiated the Sikh genocide before her assassination.”

Ban in Punjab Draws Actress’ Reaction

In Punjab, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) announced protests outside cinema halls if the film was screened in the state. Security forces were deployed to manage potential unrest.

Reacting to the Punjab ban, Kangana Ranaut expressed her disappointment, saying, “I, on behalf of Zee Studio, Manikarnika Films, and Ease My Trip, deeply thank the audience for their love and respect for our film. However, there’s still a pain in my heart. Punjab has always been one of the strongest supporters of my movies, and yet, today, my film is not allowed to release there.” She also compared the situation to the backlash being faced in Canada and the UK.

Storyline of Emergency

The film Emergency attempts to depict the historical and political turbulence during the Emergency period in India. Kangana Ranaut plays the role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, with a stellar cast including Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Mahima Chaudhary, Milind Soman, and Vishak Nair.

Box Office Performance

Despite the controversies, Emergency managed to have a decent start at the domestic box office with an opening collection of ₹3.11 crore. While the film showed promise over the weekend, its performance dipped significantly on Monday, earning ₹1.4 crore on its fourth day, according to Sacnilk.

The controversies surrounding Emergency continue to fuel its publicity, making it a focal point of political and cultural debate both in India and abroad.