A Conservative Party Member of Parliament in the UK has called on the Home Secretary to address a recent incident where masked individuals, reportedly linked to pro-Khalistani groups, disrupted the screening of Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut’s film ‘Emergency’ in north-west London.
A BJP MP from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, Kangana Ranaut’s film ‘Emergency’ is based on a true incident when former Prime Minister and Congress leader late Indira Gandhi had imposed Emergency in India during the 1970s.
Incidents reported in several British cities
Bob Blackman, the MP for Harrow East, informed the House of Commons that similar incidents had occurred in cities such as Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Slough, Staines and Manchester.
As a result, major cinema chains like Vue and Cineworld had withdrawn the film from several UK theatres.
“On Sunday, several of my constituents gathered at Harrow Vue cinema to watch ‘Emergency’, a film they had paid for. Around 30 to 40 minutes into the screening, masked protesters stormed in, intimidated the audience and forced the screening to stop,” Blackman stated in Parliament.
Says audience should have right to form own opinion
He emphasised that while the film remains controversial, audiences should have the right to view it and form their own opinions. ‘Emergency’ portrays events from the time of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s rule.
Acknowledging the concerns within the Sikh community, Blackman insisted that people should not be denied the chance to watch films legally approved by censors due to the actions of disruptive elements.
“A statement from the Home Secretary is needed next week to outline measures ensuring audiences can watch such films in peace. Peaceful protests are acceptable, but disrupting screenings is not,” he added.
Responding on behalf of the government, Leader of the Commons Lucy Powell assured that the matter would be reviewed, underlining the importance of balancing free speech with the right to protest peacefully.
Shows community in negative light, claims Sikh Press Association
Following the film’s release last Friday, protests by British Sikh groups have led to screenings being cancelled in cities like Birmingham and Wolverhampton.
The Sikh Press Association claims the film portrays their community in a negative light, prompting these demonstrations.
Community group Insight UK shared footage on social media showing masked protesters interrupting a screening in London.
Kangana Ranaut, who also directed the film, plays the role of Indira Gandhi in the political drama. The film ‘Emergency’ had faced similar protests in Punjab too and its screening was stopped in theatres.
After the disruptions, Kangana Ranaut had said that one “small group” of people was opposing her film, which has done a business of nearly Rs 15 crore in its opening week.
