The upcoming film “Emergency,” directed, produced, and headlined by Kangana Ranaut, has ignited a storm of controversy, with key Sikh organizations demanding its immediate ban. The Akal Takht, the highest temporal authority of the Sikhs, alongside the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), has accused the film of attempting to “character assassinate” the Sikh community.
In a recent press conference, SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami voiced strong objections to the film’s portrayal of historical events and Sikh figures. He called for an immediate halt to the film’s release, which is slated for next month, and urged the authorities to register a First Information Report (FIR) against Kangana Ranaut. Dhami condemned the film’s content, alleging that it distorts history and tarnishes the image of Sikhs.
The controversy centers around concerns that “Emergency,” which dramatizes the political and social upheaval during India’s Emergency period (1975-1977), might misrepresent Sikh involvement or leadership during that time. The Akal Takht and SGPC’s opposition reflects a broader concern within the Sikh community about maintaining the dignity and integrity of their history and leaders.
The SGPC, which manages gurdwaras and is a significant religious authority in Sikhism, has a history of responding vigorously to media portrayals they deem disrespectful or inaccurate. This latest demand for a ban is part of their ongoing efforts to protect Sikh identity and heritage from what they see as misrepresentation in popular culture.
The Akal Takht, known for its influential role in Sikh religious and political matters, has also expressed grave concern over the film’s potential impact. Their involvement underscores the seriousness with which the Sikh leadership views the issue.
As “Emergency” inches closer to its release date, the calls for its ban are likely to escalate, adding to the already intense debate surrounding the film. Whether the filmmakers will respond to these demands or whether legal action will follow remains to be seen. For now, the Sikh community’s leaders are unified in their call for immediate and decisive action against what they perceive as a grave injustice.