In a recent development at the Bombay High Court, Zee Entertainment Enterprises disclosed that it is actively resolving issues with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) regarding the release certification for the film “Emergency,” co-produced by Kangana Ranaut’s Manikarnika Films.
The film, a biographical drama depicting the life of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, has faced delays in its scheduled release, initially set for September 6. The delay stems from a dispute with the CBFC over necessary cuts suggested by the board’s revising committee. Last week, the CBFC had indicated that the film could proceed with its release provided these cuts were implemented.
Senior counsel Sharan Jagtiani, representing Zee Entertainment, informed Justices B P Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla that the negotiations with the CBFC were progressing. “I believe it is working out between the CBFC and respondent 2 (Ranaut’s Manikarnika Films),” Jagtiani stated during the hearing.
The matter has been scheduled for another hearing on Friday, reflecting the court’s ongoing engagement with the issue. Earlier in the week, the bench had learned from the censor board that Manikarnika Films had accepted the proposed cuts.
The film has also come under scrutiny from various Sikh organizations, including the Shiromani Akali Dal, which have raised concerns over alleged historical inaccuracies and misrepresentations of the Sikh community in the film’s portrayal.
Amidst these controversies, Kangana Ranaut, who directs and stars in the film as Indira Gandhi, accused the CBFC of deliberately stalling the film’s certification to delay its release, suggesting political motives tied to the upcoming elections in Haryana.
Zee Entertainment’s plea at the High Court seeks a directive for the CBFC to finalize and issue the certification. The company claimed that although the certificate had been prepared, its issuance had been unduly withheld.
