Censorship In Bollywood This has long been a contentious issue, with filmmakers often battling regulatory bodies to preserve their creative visions. Kangana Ranaut’s latest film, Emergency, offers a fresh perspective to examine the interrelationship of cinema, politics and censorship in India. The film, which sheds light on India’s controversial period emergency In India (1975-1977) under Prime Minister Indira Gandhifinds itself mired in controversies and bureaucratic hurdles, Central Board of Film Certification ,CBFC), which has sparked a fresh debate on freedom of expression in the world’s largest democracy.
Kangana Ranaut’s ‘Emergency’ in danger, Censor Board refuses to give certificate
Emergency is a historical drama that focuses on one of the most tumultuous periods in Indian history. In June 1975, then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency across the country, citing internal unrest. The period, which lasted until March 1977, was marked by widespread censorship of the press, suspension of civil liberties, mass arrests of political opponents, and forced sterilisations. Directed and produced by Kangana Ranaut, who also plays Indira Gandhi, the film aims to provide a dramatic account of these events, exploring both the political landscape and the Prime Minister’s personal life during the era.
Given the subject matter, Emergency was always set to face scrutiny. India’s political past, particularly events involving high-profile leaders, remains a sensitive subject, often viewed through a partisan lens. As a result, the film’s narrative choices, portrayal of key individuals, and interpretation of historical events were likely to attract the attention of not just audiences, but also the authorities.
Talking about censorship, Anubhav Sinha, who has been at the centre of the storm due to his show IC 814: The Big Bull, said that it is a film that makes the audience laugh. Kandahar kidnappingIn an interview to the Indian Express, he said, “If it is a hypothetical question, then everything should be made and released, but there is a law of the land, and if it tells me that if you don’t do this, you cannot release your film, then I have to do the same. Now, I cannot have any hypothetical conversation about it. The CBFC is the law of the land. It tells me, ‘Anubhav, if you want to release your film, you have to remove this,’ I have to remove it. That’s it.”
Censorship in Bollywood – A Historical Overview
Censorship is nothing new in Bollywood. The CBFC, colloquially known as the Censor Board, has the power to approve, demand cuts or ban films under the Cinematograph Act 1952. The board’s stated mission is to ensure that the content of films is suitable for public viewing and adheres to the moral standards of society. Over the decades, the CBFC’s decisions have often reflected the prevailing socio-political climate of the time. In the last few years, several films have faced the censor board’s wrath for dealing with sensitive issues. Anurag Kashyap’s 2001 film Paanch was banned by the board despite cuts.
Just last month, Nikkhil Advani’s film Veda faced the censor board’s rebuke. The filmmaker had revealed that he had not received a certificate from the censor board despite having submitted the film earlier. Eventually, the situation was resolved and Veda was given a UA certificate after over 9 minutes of the film were cut. Talking about his experience, Nikkhil said, “I am thrilled with how much the revising committee appreciated the film and decided to give it a UA certificate so that a wider audience can watch it. I was very happy when they stressed that they had “not touched this very important story” and only recommended some language changes to give it a U/A certificate.”
Films like Udta Punjab, which tackles drug abuse in Punjab, and Lipstick Under My Burkha, which is about the secret lives of four women, faced considerable censorship before their release. These examples underline the recurring tension between artistic expression and regulatory oversight in Bollywood. Sharing his opinion on the impact on the movie business due to release delays caused by censorship, trade expert Taran Adarsh says, “When a film is delayed, everything goes haywire, even the promotions. So whenever you get a new release date, the team has to start the promotions all over again, and that is an additional expense. Next is the interest factor, which is the most draining part. The producer has borrowed money from the financier and he now has to pay interest based on the delay, which can take months, but the interest keeps mounting, and by the time one releases the film, your planned budget and the actual budget look very different.”
Trade expert Girish Wankhede says, “When a film’s release gets postponed, the excitement for the film amongst the audience starts to wane and exhibitors also start losing interest in screening the film as they give priority to other releases.”
Emergency release confirmed: Kangana Ranaut responds to death threats | Watch
Emergency and the Censor Board: A new battleground
The Emergency issue is the latest bone of contention in this ongoing battle, which has seen the film being delayed from releasing on September 6. Actress-turned-MP Kangana Ranaut claimed that the film’s approval from the CBFC was withheld because members of the board had started receiving threats.
This issue started with the trailer being shown Jarnail Singh BhindranwaleThe leader of the separatist Khalistan movement is being portrayed as a sly man who promised to bring voters to the Congress in return for a separate Sikh state. This led to the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) sending a letter to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting urging them to ban the film. They alleged that the trailer misrepresents the Sikh community and may incite hatred. India Today in its report cited a source as the reason for the delay as religious sentiments cannot be hurt.
Kangana Ranaut did not like this, she has publicly criticized the board’s decision. She argues that the film is a true depiction of history and artistic freedom should not be curbed due to political views. She said that her film is based on documentary events and insisted that it should be seen as a work of art rather than a political commentary.
Kangana Ranaut uncensored interview | The real reason why she wore the producer’s hat | Emergency
Debate over artistic freedom and historical accuracy
The controversy surrounding the Emergency brings forth an important debate about the balance between artistic freedom and the need to maintain public order and respect for historical figures. Supporters of censorship argue that films have a far-reaching impact on society and can influence public perception, especially in a country as diverse and politically sensitive as India. They say that the CBFC’s role is to ensure that films do not incite violence, hurt religious or cultural sentiments, or disrupt public order. On the other hand, critics of censorship, including many in the film industry, argue that such controls are often arbitrary and politically motivated. They argue that films are a form of artistic expression and that filmmakers should have the freedom to present their own interpretation of historical events. Furthermore, they argue that censorship stifles creativity and prevents filmmakers from tackling important social and political issues.
Political sensitivities and their impact on cinema
The case of the Emergency also highlights how political sensitivities affect cinema in India. Films depicting political events or individuals often come under fire not just from the censor board, but also from political parties and interest groups. In recent years, such films have become increasingly censored. padmaavat‘Dangal’ and ‘Article 15’ have faced violent protests and legal battles due to their portrayal of historical events and social issues.
Role of Judiciary
The judiciary in India has often been the arbiter in cases involving censorship. In the past, courts have overturned CBFC decisions, saying films should not be censored to protect political interests or public figures. For instance, in the case of Udta Punjab, the Bombay High Court ruled in favour of the filmmakers, stating that audiences are mature enough to make their own decisions about what to watch. Kangana Ranaut and her producers have also approached the Bombay High Court to stop the censor certificate.
Poster of Kangana Ranaut’s film ‘Emergency’
The future of censorship in Bollywood
The ongoing controversy surrounding Emergency shows that censorship will continue to be a major issue in Bollywood, especially as filmmakers have become more daring in tackling politically sensitive subjects. While the CBFC’s role as a regulatory body remains essential to some extent, there is a growing demand for a more transparent and consistent approach to film certification. Many in the industry are calling for a complete overhaul of the CBFC and its guidelines, advocating for a system that respects artistic freedom while ensuring that content is suitable for all audiences. A rating system similar to that used in the West has been suggested as a possible solution.
The censorship issues surrounding Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency are a microcosm of the larger battle for creative freedom in Bollywood. As filmmakers continue to push the boundaries of storytelling, the conflict between artistic expression and regulatory oversight is likely to grow. In a vibrant democracy like India, it is important to find a balance that respects both the creative autonomy of filmmakers and the diverse emotions of its audience. How this balance is struck will determine the future of Indian cinema and its role in society.
