Removal Of Bhindrawale's Dialogue, Sikhs Firing On Non-Sikhs And More: Here Are The Key Changes CBFC Wants In Kangana Ranaut's Emergency

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has reportedly cleared actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut’s film Emergency for a U/A certification.

However, the film certification board has asked for 13 changes in the movie, many of which pertain to scenes found objectionable by Sikh groups, who claimed the scenes misrepresented their community and faith.

Key edits requested by the CBFC include the removal of a scene where Sikhs open fire on non-Sikhs and the deletion of a dialogue attributed to Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a prominent figure in the separatist Khalistan movement.

Here are the changes sought by the CBFC for the film’s release:

1. Disclaimer Addition At the Beginning of Film

The CBFC revising committee, which re-examined the entire film in light of the demands made by Sikh groups, has asked for a disclaimer to be inserted at the beginning of the film, stating that the movie is “inspired by true events” and is a “dramatic transformation”.

2. Nehru Dialogue

The CBFC has asked filmmakers to provide factual evidence for a scene where Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru is heard alluding to the fact that China had cut off Assam from India.

Historians on the revising committee are not sure of the accuracy of the statement.

3. Bhindranwale-Sanjay Gandhi Dialogue

A dialogue attributed to Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, where he supposedly says to Sanjay Gandhi, “Your party wants votes, we want Khalistan,” has been asked to be removed.

Additionally, the filmmakers have been asked to provide a factual source to support this claim.

4. Removal of "Sant" title for Bhindrawale

The CBFC has asked for the removal of references to Bhindranwale as "Sant" in scenes where his character is not on-screen, including discussions between Sanjay Gandhi and Giani Zail Singh, and Indira Gandhi and the Army chief.

5. Violence Toning Down

The Board has asked the filmmakers to tone down the violence inflicted by Sikhs on non-Sikhs in one scene, and delete a scene depicting Sikhs shooting non-Sikhs in front of a bus.

These were among the scenes found objectionable by the Sikh groups that made representations against the film.

6. ‘Arjun Divas’ Reference

A discussion between Indira Gandhi and the Army Chief regarding Operation Bluestar includes a mention of "Arjun Divas," a day marking the martyrdom of Guru Arjan, the fifth Sikh Guru. The CBFC has asked for this term to be removed, saying it does not exist in Sikh religious traditions.

7. Static Messages for Real Footage

The Board wants filmmakers to insert static messages for real footage being used in the film, wherever applicable.

8. Submit Documentary Evidence for claims

The filmmakers have been asked to submit documentary proof/evidence for all the stats, statements and references mentioned in the movie.

Zee Entertainment's lawyer on Thursday (26 September) sought time to decide whether to accept the CBFC’s proposed cuts and changes.

The filmmakers can either comply with all changes, contest some while accepting others, or challenge the decision in court.

The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for 30 September.

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