The much-anticipated release of Bollywood actress-cum-BJP MP from Mandi Kangana Ranaut’s upcoming film ‘Emergency’ has been met with significant controversy as Punjab’s Independent MP from Faridkot Sarabjit Singh Khalsa has raised serious objections over the portrayal of Sikhs in the film.
Scheduled to release on September 6, the movie, which depicts the events during the ‘Emergency’ imposed by the former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi – portrayed by Ranaut – has sparked concerns about its potential to disturb communal harmony.
Khalsa, who is known for his strong stance on protecting Sikh identity and heritage, has written to the Central Government, demanding that the film’s release be halted until the scenes in question are reviewed and necessary corrections are made. His concerns primarily stem from the film’s trailer, which he claimed contains scenes that could portray Sikhs in a negative light, potentially igniting unrest within the community.
“The portrayal of Sikhs in ‘Emergency’ is not only misleading but also dangerous. It is a deep conspiracy aimed at defaming the Sikh community by depicting them as separatists or terrorists. Such a portrayal not only distorts history but also threatens the peace and law and order situation in the country,” said Khalsa in the letter. He further warned that if the film is allowed to release in its current form, “it could lead to widespread agitation and disrupt communal harmony”.
The film’s trailer, which was released recently, has been the focal point of the controversy. It included scenes depicting the infamous Operation Blue Star — carried out by Indian Army in 1984 to flush out militants from the Golden Temple, and portrays Sikh leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. Khalsa argued that these scenes have been sensationalized and manipulated to depict Sikhs in a negative manner.
“The depiction of Bhindranwale and the events of Operation Blue Star in this film is highly problematic. Bhindranwale is viewed by many as a martyr who fought for Sikh rights, and any misrepresentation of his character could lead to widespread anger and resentment,” Khalsa added.
Khalsa, who is the son of Beant Singh – one of the assassins of Indira Gandhi, emphasized that the Sikh community has made immense sacrifices for the country and that their contributions should be honoured, not distorted. He accused the filmmakers of attempting to rewrite history in a way that maligns the image of Sikhs and fuels communal tension.
The MP also pointed to a broader pattern of anti-Sikh sentiment in Indian media and popular culture, which he claimed has led to an increase in hate crimes against the Sikhs. “In a country where Sikhs have been targeted in hate crimes, this film can only serve to exacerbate the situation. The Government must intervene to prevent any further damage to the social fabric of the nation,” he urged.
This is not the first time that a film related to Indira Gandhi has faced controversy. In 1975, during the Emergency, the film ‘Aandhi’ was banned by the Indira Gandhi Government due to its perceived criticism of the Prime Minister and her administration. Khalsa drew parallels between the two situations, warning that ‘Emergency’ could similarly provoke unrest if released without addressing the concerns raised.
As the release date approaches, pressure is mounting on the filmmakers and the government to address these concerns. Khalsa has made it clear that if the issues are not resolved, he will mobilize the Sikh community to protest the film’s release, potentially leading to significant public demonstrations.
