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Kangana Ranaut's highly anticipated political drama movie Emergency has hit a roadblock in Punjab, with its release being paused in Patiala, Amritsar and Bathinda. This decision comes after local administration authorities expressed concerns over potential protests and untoward incidents that could disrupt public order. The film's controversial subject matter, which revisits the tumultuous period of the 1975 Emergency declared by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, has already generated significant buzz.

As the film hits theaters today, reports indicate that the precautionary measure to pause its release is now spreading to other cities in Punjab. The local administrations in the three cities have taken a preemptive stance, suggesting that the film's narrative might provoke unrest among certain groups. The authorities have emphasised maintaining peace and order, especially given the heightened sensitivity surrounding the film's content. This move has been met with demands from Sikh leaders to ban the film, citing that it "tarnishes the image of Sikhs and distorts history".

Kangana Ranaut Reacts As Emergency Release Halted In Punjab

Amid ongoing protests, Kangana Ranaut has responded to the controversy, stating that this is "complete harassment of art and the artist". She emphasised that she has utmost respect for all religions and that the film's narrative is not intended to provoke unrest. However, the pause on the film's release in Punjab has sparked a heated debate, with some leaders supporting the ban and others criticising it as an attack on artistic freedom. 

Ranaut wrote on X, “This is complete harassment of art and the artist, from Punjab, many cities are reporting that these people are not allowing Emergency to be screened. I have the utmost respect for all religions and after studying and growing up in Chandigarh I have closely observed and followed the Sikh religion. This is a complete lie and propaganda to tarnish my image and harm my film #Emergency.” Kangana replied to a tweet from MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira who asked for the immediate ban on Emergency.

Khaira had written on X, “I support the demand of @SGPCAmritsar to ban the film Emergency directed by @KanganaTeam a known critic of farmers & Sikhs without knowing their contribution towards our country. SGPC is our elected representative body and @BhagwantMann should take immediate steps to ban the film that depicts Sikhs in bad light and brings defamation to our state of Punjab and its people.”

About Emergency: Emergency is a historical biographical drama movie that revolves around the 21-month Emergency period imposed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, from 1975 to 1977 and its subsequent aftermath. Kangana Ranaut takes on the lead role of Indira Gandhi, showcasing her portrayal of the iconic leader. Alongside Kangana, the film boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Anupam Kher as Jayaprakash Narayan and Shreyas Talpade as Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

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