British Sikh groups have protested against film Emergency starring Kangana Ranaut, disrupting its screenings in the UK during its opening weekend. The film, which covers the period of Emergency in India during the 1970s, has sparked strong reactions from the Sikh community. The Sikh Press Association (PA) called the film “anti-Sikh” and voiced concerns about its portrayal of historical events. The protests led to cancelled screenings in Birmingham and Wolverhampton, located in England’s West Midlands. Protesters also interrupted a screening in Harrow, north-west London, with a video posted by community […]
Protests Disrupt Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency Screenings In UK
British Sikh groups have protested against film Emergency starring Kangana Ranaut, disrupting its screenings in the UK during its opening weekend. The film, which covers the period of Emergency in India during the 1970s, has sparked strong reactions from the Sikh community.
The Sikh Press Association (PA) called the film “anti-Sikh” and voiced concerns about its portrayal of historical events. The protests led to cancelled screenings in Birmingham and Wolverhampton, located in England’s West Midlands. Protesters also interrupted a screening in Harrow, north-west London, with a video posted by community organization Insight UK on X showing the disruption.
The Sikh PA issued a statement on social media urging Sikhs to protest against Emergency. The group described the film as “anti-Sikh propaganda” and criticized its portrayal of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, played by Ranaut. The statement further linked Gandhi’s actions to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, often referred to as the Sikh Genocide.
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Kangana Ranaut, who both directed and starred in Emergency, responded to the criticism on social media. In a video, she expressed gratitude for the positive reception of the film, but also voiced her disappointment. She noted that her film was not released in Punjab, which is known for being supportive of her films. Ranaut mentioned that her films had traditionally performed well in Punjab, but this time, things were different. She expressed sadness over the bans and protests, especially in Canada and the UK. Ranaut stated, “Some small-minded people have set this country on fire. And you and I are burning in this fire.”
Despite the protests, the filmmakers claimed that the film had a strong box office start, reportedly earning Rs 12.26 crores in its opening weekend. However, the controversies surrounding its release and reception have overshadowed the financial success.
Emergency delves into a significant period in Indian history. The portrayal of Indira Gandhi’s political actions, especially in relation to the Sikh community, has led to polarized views. While some see it as an important historical film, others, particularly from the Sikh community, view it as a distortion of events that harmed their community.
The film’s release has proven divisive. It has sparked protests not only in the UK but also among diaspora communities in Canada. Ranaut’s political views and statements about the Sikh community have added fuel to the fire, further intensifying the backlash.
In conclusion, Emergency starring Kangana Ranaut has faced significant controversy and protests, particularly from the Sikh community. The film’s portrayal of historical events has been met with criticism, leading to disruptions at screenings. Despite this, the film has had a strong start at the box office, though its future in certain regions remains uncertain.
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