Kangana Ranaut: Aam Aadmi Party spokesperson and Sangrur MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer said on Friday that the Punjab government might ban Kangana Ranaut-starrer “Emergency” if it hurts the feelings of Punjabis. He also said that the state government respects sentiments of all communities and necessary actions would be considered in case the film contains hurtful scenes.
Stand Will Be Based on Film Content and Public Sentiment
Hayer said this while addressing the media in the press conference held regarding 3rd Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan tournament at Sangrur. Hayer went on to clarify that neither he nor any other officer of his government had watched the movie so far, and the stand of the government will depend on the content of the film and the sentiments of the public.
The controversy with “Emergency” started since the release of its trailer, as strong reactions were sent in by various groups of Punjab. The SGPC and several other Sikh organizations showed disappointment due to the way Sikhs have been portrayed in this film. They are claiming that the film has presented the Sikh community in a wrong way, and there should be a ban on its release in Punjab. It is in the wake of these concerns that the SGPC has issued a legal notice to the film producers on the premise of incorrect portrayal of the Sikh history and culture.
Petitioner Calls for Judicial Action
Besides the memoranda from Sikh bodies, a petition has also been filed in the district court, Chandigarh. The petitioner has prayed for judicial intervention to issue directions to the UT’s SSP and SHO (Sector 36) to register an FIR against Kangana Ranaut, screenplay writer Ritesh Shah and Zoo Studio for attempting to defame the image of the Sikhs through the film.
The petition is expected to come up for hearing on September 17. “Emergency” is scheduled to be released on September 6, and the legal and political tussles reflect the sensitivity of the portrayal of Sikh history and culture.