Emergency: Kangana Ranaut's film upsets Shiromani Akali Dal; Sikh bodies demand ban

Kangana Ranaut’s movie Emergency is slated to release on September 6, 2024. It is on the life of former India PM Indira Gandhi, especially the chapter when she had to deal with the armed Sikh military groups who had taken over the Golden Temple at Amritsar, Punjab. It was known as Operation Blue Star. The movie is now embroiled in controversy with Sikh groups asking for a ban. The trailer was out on August 14, 2024. As we know, Kangana Ranaut has a history with the Sikh community after some of her controversial comments on the Farmers’ Protest in the state. Small groups were protesting against Emergency in the state. But now, Sikh leaders have called out what they feel is a ‘propaganda movie’. 

Today, in Ludhiana, Shiromani Akali Dal leaders and members held a demonstration and issued a warning. They said that screening of Emergency in Punjab could lead to unrest and law and order situation. They also told crowds not to watch the movie. Even foreign Sikh bodies have joined in the dissent. The Sikh Council, that is based in Australia has expressed its concerns fearing it will lead to clashes between Sikh and Hindu communities in the nation. 

Given Kangana Ranaut’s political allegiance, they have said the movie could disrupt communal harmony. They feel it could be disrespectful to the Sikh leaders who are seen as martyrs. The top Sikh body, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has filed a case against the producers accusing them of distorting history for a lop-sided narrative. Some scenes in the trailer are deemed as very offensive. They felt the scenes where Sikhs are shown as armed is disparaging for the entire community. SGPC said Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale never did what is shown in the movie. 

We have to see how Kangana Ranaut responds to all this counter questions.