Spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev recently attended the screening of Kangana Ranaut's much-anticipated political drama, Emergency. During the event, Sadhguru praised the film and highlighted its significance, particularly for younger audiences.
The film, directed by and starring Kangana Ranaut, revisits the controversial period of emergency declared by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975. This period marked a tumultuous chapter in India’s political history, leaving a profound impact on the nation.
Sadhguru expressed that the youth should watch the film to gain a better understanding of history. He called it a rare opportunity for the younger generations to connect with a critical time in the country's past.
The spiritual leader acknowledged the complexity of the subject but commended how it was presented. He described it as a challenging task to condense such an important historical event into a two-and-a-half-hour film, yet noted that it was done with remarkable finesse.
Reflecting on the historical significance of the events portrayed, Sadhguru stated that the film serves as an educational tool. He emphasised the need for society to learn from history rather than merely judge the past. He shared that it has been 50 years since the emergency period, making it an appropriate time to view it as history and draw lessons from it.
Sadhguru recounted his own experiences during the emergency period, recalling its immense impact on the country and its citizens.
He shared that as a university student at the time, he witnessed how the emergency affected the lives of ordinary people. He remarked that such a film is vital for young people, as many may not take the time to read about history in depth.
Kangana Ranaut, the film’s director and lead actor, expressed gratitude to Sadhguru for attending the screening. She shared her appreciation for his rare visit to watch a film, calling it a blessing. Kangana also sought his blessings for the film’s success.
Sadhguru praised the performances of the actors, particularly Kangana Ranaut and Anupam Kher, for their portrayal of historical figures. He noted that playing well-known historical characters is a challenging task, requiring a different calibre of performance.
Emergency, which released on 17 January 2025, explores the political and societal upheaval during the emergency period from 1975 to 1977. Kangana plays the role of Indira Gandhi, while Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, and the late Satish Kaushik feature in significant roles.
The film delves into the authoritarian measures taken during that time, shedding light on its consequences and impact on Indian democracy.
Protests in Punjab Stall 'Emergency' Screenings
While the film has been praised by Sadhguru and others, it has faced resistance in Punjab. Protests led by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Sikh organisations have disrupted screenings across the state.
Most cinemas in cities such as Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Patiala, and Bathinda have refrained from showing the film due to the demonstrations. Protesters were seen outside cinemas and malls carrying black flags and placards, calling for a boycott of the movie.
The SGPC and other groups have alleged that the film portrays Sikh characters in an objectionable manner.
They argued that the film could disturb communal harmony and hurt sentiments. Leaders from the SGPC stated that they had urged both the Central and Punjab governments to intervene and stop the release, but no action was taken.
In Amritsar and Mohali, SGPC members reiterated their resolve to prevent the screening of the movie in Punjab. They accused Kangana Ranaut, a BJP MP, of creating divisions in society rather than working to unite communities.
Members of Sikh organisations in Jalandhar also vowed to block the film’s screening across the state, citing concerns over its alleged disrespectful portrayal of their community.
The protests have highlighted a regional backlash against the film, even as it garners attention for its portrayal of a pivotal chapter in Indian history.
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