Amritsar: Amid calls for a ban on Kangana Ranaut’s film ‘Emergency,’ a heavy police presence has been stationed outside PVR Suraj Chanda Tara Cinema in Amritsar, Punjab. The action follows the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) decision to protest the film, which is produced by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP.
The film has released today, January 17 and it has sparked strong opposition from the SGPC. The committee’s president, Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, sent a letter to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, alleging that the film is “politically motivated with an aim to defame Sikh community”.
“In a letter to Chief Secretary of the Punjab Government, it was clearly stated that ‘Emergency’ film will not be allowed to be shown in Punjab, as it remains politically motivated with the aim to defame Sikhs,” the letter read.
‘Govt plays with Sikh emotions’
“The depiction of Sikh characters, particularly Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, in the film has been distorted,” SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami said. “The government frequently plays with Sikh emotions, which is why we had previously objected to the film’s release. Despite our objections, the film is scheduled to release in Punjab, prompting us to submit a letter to the Deputy Commissioner (DC) requesting a halt to the release.”
A woman SGPC member added in a video statement, “After the release of the film’s trailer, many objected to the misrepresentation of history, fearing it could hurt Sikh sentiments. Despite this, the film is still being released. The SGPC has submitted a letter to the DC of Amritsar and, in addition, SGPC Chief Harjinder Singh Dhami has written to Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, demanding the film’s release be stopped in Punjab.”
The letter warns that if the film is released, the SGPC will protest. Meanwhile, Rekha Sharma, a guard at an Amritsar cinema hall, told ANI, “I am not sure of the reasons, but the screening of ‘Emergency’ will not take place here.”
