“Freedom of expression…”: Center raised questions on protest against the film ‘Emergency’ in Britain

The screening of actress Kangana Ranaut’s new film ‘Emergency’ is being disrupted in Britain. This film is based on the emergency imposed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975. The Foreign Ministry has said that it is in touch with British officials in this matter.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs said, “We have seen reports of how the screening of the film ‘Emergency’ is being stopped in several halls. We continue to express concern to the UK about incidents of violent protests and intimidation by anti-India elements. Have done… Freedom of speech and expression cannot be enforced selectively.”

Khalistan supporters are protesting against the screening of the film ‘Emergency’ in Britain. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “Freedom of expression cannot be selectively enforced and those who obstruct it must be held accountable. We hope the UK side will take appropriate action against those responsible.” Our High Commission is in regular touch with our community members for their safety and benefit.”

#WATCH Delhi: MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, “We have also seen several reports on how the film, ‘Emergency’, which was being screened in several halls was being obstructed. We consistently raise concerns with the UK Government regarding incidents of violent protest and… pic.twitter.com/UULvcx3QLP

— ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2025

Khalistani entered the theater

Reports said people in north-west London were threatened by “masked Khalistani terrorists”. They had entered a theater where Kangana Ranaut’s new film was being screened.

Conservative Party MP Bob Blackman said, “On Sunday, a number of people from my constituency gathered at the Harrow View cinema for a screening of ‘Emergency’ and bought tickets. After about 30 or 40 minutes, masked Khalistani terrorists walked in, the audience Threatened and forcibly stopped the screening.”

Similar disruptions to screenings of the “highly controversial” film were also seen in Wolverhampton, Birmingham and Manchester. Due to this, at least two movie theater chains had to withdraw the film.

defending people’s rights

Blackman said, “The film is very controversial, and I’m not commenting on its quality or subject matter… but I defend the right of the people of my constituency and the people of other members’ constituencies to see that This is the story of the time when Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister of India.”

According to reports, some British Sikh groups like the Sikh Press Association had organized protests against the film. They said that it was an “anti-Sikh” film and that is why the shows were stopped in the said cities.

Sikh organizations had objected to the passing of Kangana Ranaut’s film ‘Emergency’ by the Censor Board in India. The organizations had accused the film’s producers, including Kangana Ranaut, of misrepresenting the Sikh community and distorting historical facts.

Film released after long debate in court

Responding to these reactions, government sources acknowledged the fact that “it contains some sensitive content” and religious sentiments cannot be hurt.

After months of debate between the censor board and the courts, the film was cleared in mid-November. The film was released on January 17 after making three cuts and mentioning the source for some controversial dialogues.

(from input agencies)