Kangana Ranaut’s directorial venture, Emergency, which recently secured a release date after protracted delays, continues to encounter obstacles abroad. The political thriller, centered on India’s Emergency period during the 1970s under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, has reportedly been denied release in Bangladesh.
Sources close to the production reveal that the ban stems from two primary reasons: the portrayal of the assassination of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the ongoing political tensions between India and Bangladesh.
A source quoted by IANS explained, “The decision to halt the screening of Emergency in Bangladesh is tied to the current strained relations between the two nations. The ban is less about the film’s content and more about the political dynamics at play.”
The assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, regarded as the “Father of Bangladesh” for his pivotal role in the country’s liberation from Pakistan, appears to have further complicated the matter. The film reportedly depicts his murder by a group of extremists in Bangladesh, a sensitive chapter in the nation’s history.
Historical Context
The film explores a tumultuous era in South Asian history, beginning with India’s role in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. Indira Gandhi, then Prime Minister of India, extended unwavering support to East Pakistan’s demand for independence, leading to the creation of Bangladesh. This intervention, despite opposition from the United States, culminated in the Indo-Pak war of 1971.
In 1975, citing internal and external threats, Gandhi declared a state of Emergency in India, suspending civil liberties and tightening governmental control for 21 months—a controversial period that forms the crux of the film.
About the Film
Emergency boasts a star-studded cast including Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, Mahima Chaudhry, Milind Soman, and the late Satish Kaushik. Directed by and starring Kangana Ranaut as Indira Gandhi, the film promises to delve into the complex socio-political landscape of the 1970s.
Produced by Zee Studios, Emergency is set to release in Indian theatres on January 17. However, its absence from Bangladeshi screens underscores the enduring sensitivities surrounding its narrative.
Whether the film will spark further debates on historical interpretations remains to be seen as audiences worldwide brace for its release.