The film Emergency faced backlash and was pulled from cinemas after protests in the Midlands, with critics calling it anti-Sikh propaganda.
Critics are not holding back. They claim the film misrepresents the Sikh community. It stars Kangana Ranaut, who plays former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Many believe she promotes harmful views about Sikhs.
Protests took place in several cities, including Birmingham and Telford. Even places like Melbourne and Toronto joined in. Thankfully, the protests were peaceful. The Sikh Press Association said the film is seen as propaganda, not art.
They argue it spreads false information about respected Sikh figures. This kind of content can fuel anti-Sikh sentiment, which is a real concern right now. The Sikh community makes up only about two percent of India.
The Sikh Council UK is urging cinemas to stop showing the film. They say it distorts history and offends many Sikhs. Protests have been happening outside cinemas, leading to some cancellations.
However, some theaters are still showing the film, which has sparked more protests. Many Sikh organizations are worried about community relations being affected by this movie.
They want the film pulled to keep peace in the community. A group called Shere Punjab announced that Emergency was permanently removed from Vue at Star City. They believe this sends a strong message against propaganda in the arts.
But, interestingly, tickets were still available for screenings at Star City when checked. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee in India also called for a ban on the film in Punjab.
In response, Ranaut claimed on social media that this is harassment of art. She insists she respects all religions and has a deep understanding of Sikhism. She feels this is an attempt to damage her reputation and her film.
The film touches on significant historical events, including the 1984 military action at the Golden Temple, a sacred site for Sikhs. This operation led to many deaths, and Gandhi’s assassination followed, resulting in violent attacks on Sikhs.
This dark chapter is often referred to as the Sikh genocide. Emergency also covers Gandhi’s controversial state of emergency from 1975 to 1977. Reports indicate that screenings were also canceled in Harrow and Hounslow.
Ranaut, who directed and co-produced the film, faced backlash last year for her comments on the Farmers’ Protest, which involved many Sikhs. A Cineworld spokesperson confirmed that some screenings were affected due to disruptions, emphasizing customer safety as a priority. Vue has not commented on the situation.
