The Central Board of Film Certification on September 26 informed the Bombay high court that its revising committee had suggested 13 changes in Zee Studios and Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency. Of the 13 changes, four were excisions, six were insertions, and three were modifications. The film has been offered ‘UA’ certificate subject to the 13 alterations. Zee has sought time to respond to the CBFC alterations. The matter was posted for September 30.
The deletions include excising the words ‘Sant’, ‘Bhindranwale’ and ‘Khalistan’. Certain violent scenes have been ordered to be toned down. The CBFC also ordered the producers to “remove all the visuals and dialogue where Sikhs are shooting by gun on non-Sardars”.
The producers were also asked to insert static texts to show that the footage was real wherever real footage had been used in the film, and to add “inspired by true events and dramatic transformations” to the disclaimer. The producers will have to submit to the CBFC “documentary proof of all stats, statements and references mentioned” in the film.
Zee had gone to the Bombay high court alleging that the CBFC was illegally and arbitrarily withholding certification of the film. The high court had given the CBFC time to hear representations objecting to certain portrayals in the film. It may be recalled that after the trailer of Emergency was released, it had attracted protests from Sikh groups over the portrayal of the community. The CBFC told the court that its decision was made “after considering the representations received from various Sikh groups, and directives issued by courts”. Zee and Kangana can appeal within 30 days.