Emergency Film Removed Scenes |9 Scenes Removed by CBFC

Emergency(2025) is a historical drama that is based on the Emergency Period of 1975, darkest period of Indian democracy— Directed and Co-Produced by the talented actress and incumbent Lok Sabha MP Kangana Ranaut, the film features the murder of democracy under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, exploring the socio-political chaos, suspension of Fundamental Rights, and the resilience of those who fought against the oppressive regime.

Here you will find out why some scenes are removed and altered from the movie

Cast

The Cast includes Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Mahima Chaudhry, and Milind Soman, Emergency tries to recreate the mood of a nation whose democracy was on the verge of collapsing. Ranaut’s portrayal of Gandhi has been both praised for its heat and criticized for being a one-dimensional take on a complex figure.

Direction and Cinematography

Ranaut’s dual role as actor and director is ambitious. The film’s visual appeal—marked by muted tones and period-appropriate settings—successfully evokes the tension and unease of the Emergency era. That said, some critics argue that the storytelling could have been tighter, as certain sequences.

Controversy

Before the release of Emergency it was modified several times as recommended by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). These changes were made due to concerns particularly raised by the Sikh community. The CBFC suggested a total of 13 alterations, which included the removal of specific dialogues and scenes.

The pressure from CBFC and Sikh Community made Kangana remove and alter several scenes of the film.

Several dialogs, titles, scenes, and historical references were removed and excised as Sikh Community complained that they are being defamed in those parts of the movie.

[Additionally, the CBFC recommended the inclusion of disclaimers stating that the film is a dramatized version inspired by true events, ensuring viewers understand that certain portrayals may not reflect absolute historical facts.] India Today

Scenes Removed

1. Dialogue Between Sanjay Gandhi and Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale

Removed Scene: A conversation where Bhindranwale expresses a desire for Khalistan was excised. This dialogue was considered politically sensitive and potentially inflammatory, especially in Punjab.
Reason: It risked misrepresenting historical figures and could lead to controversy within the Sikh community.

2. Violence Against Non-Sikhs

Removed Scene: A depiction of Sikhs firing on non-Sikhs in front of a bus was cut. This scene aimed to portray the communal tensions during the Emergency but was deemed too graphic and potentially divisive.
Reason: It was removed to maintain communal harmony and avoid misinterpretation of historical events.

3. Bhindranwale’s Title

Modification: References to Bhindranwale as “Sant” (Saint) in dialogues were deleted.
Reason: The title “Sant” carries religious significance, and its use could be seen as endorsing or glorifying Bhindranwale’s controversial role in history.

4. Reference to Arjun Divas

Removed Scene: Mentions of “Arjun Divas” in relation to Operation Bluestar were cut. This term was not widely recognized in historical accounts and was considered misleading.
Reason: Ensuring historical accuracy and avoiding misrepresentation.

5. Depictions of Political Torture

Trimmed Scenes: Some depictions of torture and human rights abuses under the Emergency were toned down or cut altogether.
Reason: The CBFC recommended these changes to avoid overly graphic content that could disturb viewers.

Visual Evidence

Unfortunately, no official stills or visuals from these removed scenes have been released by the filmmakers or the CBFC. Films typically do not disclose cut scenes to avoid fueling further controversy. However, you can explore the official trailer here for context on the film’s tone and style.

Reality Check

Let’s compare the omitted content with historical events and evaluate the validity of the CBFC’s decisions.

1. Dialogue Between Sanjay Gandhi and Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale

Removed Scene: Bhindranwale allegedly expresses a desire for Khalistan.
Historical Context:
- Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale was a controversial Sikh leader during the late 1970s and early 1980s, known for his involvement in the Khalistan movement.
- However, Bhindranwale rose to prominence after the Emergency (1975-77). Associating him with events during the Emergency is historically inaccurate.
CBFC’s Removal Justification: Valid. The scene misrepresents the timeline of events and could unfairly link Bhindranwale to the Emergency era, potentially stoking communal tensions.

2. Violence Against Non-Sikhs

Removed Scene: Sikhs firing on non-Sikhs in front of a bus.
Historical Context:
- Such incidents are not documented as part of Emergency-era events. Most communal violence involving Sikhs occurred in the 1980s, particularly during and after Operation Bluestar (1984).
CBFC’s Removal Justification: Strongly Valid. The inclusion of such a scene in a film about the Emergency conflates unrelated historical events, which could spread misinformation and provoke communal discord.

3. Bhindranwale’s Title as “Sant”

Modification: References to Bhindranwale as “Sant” (Saint) were removed.
Historical Context:
- Bhindranwale was often referred to as “Sant” by his followers, but this honorific is contested, especially by those critical of his role in promoting the Khalistan movement.
- The term carries religious significance, which could be polarizing.
CBFC’s Removal Justification: Reasonable. Using the title “Sant” in a film could imply reverence, leading to misinterpretation and controversy.

4. Reference to “Arjun Divas”

Removed Scene: Mentions of “Arjun Divas” in the context of Operation Bluestar.
Historical Context:
- Operation Bluestar occurred in 1984, almost a decade after the Emergency. The term “Arjun Divas” is not widely recognized or historically significant.
CBFC’s Removal Justification: Strongly Valid. This reference appears to be an invention by the filmmakers and does not belong in a narrative about the Emergency.

5. Graphic Depictions of Torture

Trimmed Scenes: Visuals of political torture and human rights abuses.
Historical Context:
- Torture, arbitrary arrests, and forced sterilizations were indeed documented during the Emergency. These actions are critical to understanding the period’s oppressive nature.
CBFC’s Removal Justification: Questionable. While the depiction of torture should not be gratuitous, its inclusion is essential to portraying the harsh realities of the Emergency authentically.

Judging the CBFC’s Decisions

The removal of scenes involving Bhindranwale is justified, as these events did not occur during the Emergency and would misrepresent history.
The excision of communal violence scenes is valid to prevent misinformation and potential unrest.
The trimming of torture scenes, however, could undermine the film’s ability to fully convey the horrors of the Emergency. These depictions, if done tastefully, are critical to an honest portrayal of the era.

Conclusion

The CBFC’s decisions largely align with the goal of maintaining historical accuracy and social harmony, except for the possible over-sanitization of the Emergency’s brutalities. The film might have benefited from retaining some scenes of political oppression to ensure a balanced and impactful narrative.