Fri Jan 17 14:58:21 UTC 2025: **Punjab Theatres Refuse to Show Kangana Ranaut’s “Emergency” Amid Sikh Community Protests**

CHANDIGARH, Punjab—Following demands from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and widespread protests by Sikh organizations, Kangana Ranaut’s film “Emergency” failed to screen in Punjab on Friday. The SGPC chief, Harjinder Singh Dhami, had urged Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to ban the film, claiming it defames the Sikh community.

Protests erupted outside multiplexes across the state, including Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Mohali, leading to heavy police deployments to prevent any violence. In Jalandhar, police proactively met with cinema hall authorities to ensure the film would not be shown, citing potential law and order issues. In some locations, activists entered cinemas, halting advance ticket sales and demanding the film’s removal. At least one multiplex in Bathinda refunded tickets after facing protests. The Mohali district administration issued direct orders to mall owners to not screen the film.

The controversy stems from allegations that the film, which depicts Indira Gandhi during the Emergency (1975-77), misrepresents the Sikh community. Protesters also cited Ranaut’s past controversial statements about the 2020 farmers’ protests as a reason for their opposition. The film’s release was delayed several times prior to its nationwide premiere on Friday.

Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring commented on the controversy, stating that films often distort historical facts for dramatic effect, and called for greater government and censor board oversight to prevent such movies from harming communal harmony. While the film is playing in other parts of India, its absence from Punjab highlights the significant impact of community pressure and protests on film distribution.

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