‘Emergency’ release stalled so BJP does not lose Sikh votes, alleges producer
A co-producer of the Kangana Ranaut-starrer claimed before the Bombay HC that the film’s censor certification was being delayed at the Hindutva party’s behest.
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Emergency co-producer Zee Entertainment claimed before the Bombay High Court on Thursday that the film’s release was being stalled by the Central Board of Film Certification to ensure that the Bharatiya Janata Party does not lose Sikh votes in the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, reported Bar and Bench.
Emergency is a Hindi-language film based on the Emergency imposed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s government in 1975.
It stars actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut, who is a BJP MP from Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi. She also co-produced the film.
Zee Entertainment alleged that the film’s censor certification has been held up to delay its release, which was initially scheduled for September 6.
The company said that the movie was being seen as “anti-Sikh film”.
“The co-producer is a BJP MP and they do not want a film which hurts the sentiments of certain communities by a BJP member,” said Zee Entertainment’s lawyer, according to Bar and Bench.
The Central Board of Film Certification told the court that it had sent the movie to a review committee to consider objections by several parties, including Sikh groups, as per the direction of the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
The Bombay High Court directed the review committee to decide on the film’s certification by September 25. The Haryana Assembly polls will be held on October 5.
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