• The SGPC demands a ban on Kangana Ranaut's film 'Emergency' in Punjab.
• Heavy police presence reported outside a cinema in Amritsar amid protests.
• Kangana asserts that the film does not feature controversial figures under dispute.
• SGPC criticizes the film for misrepresenting Sikh history and characters.
• Protests expected if the film is screened as planned.

In response to escalating tensions, the S Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is advocating for a complete ban on Kangana Ranaut's film 'Emergency', which is slated for release on January 17, 2024. The committee cites concerns regarding the film's alleged misrepresentation of Sikh history and figures, specifically in relation to the portrayal of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. Following the release of the film's trailer, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami expressed outrage, stating that the film seems to be politically motivated, aiming to "defame" the Sikh community, as outlined in an official communiqué to Punjab's Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann. According to the source, the SGPC has called upon the Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar to halt the movie's release, claiming the representation of Sikh characters is fraught with inaccuracies.

Dhami has previously stated that the film’s release would invoke strong protests across Punjab if action is not taken. He highlighted that the film suppresses crucial historical truths related to the 1984 army operation at Darbar Sahib and the subsequent repercussions, which resulted in significant trauma for the Sikh community. An SGPC representative added that viewer objections commenced following the trailer’s release, prompting the committee to request halting the film's screening entirely.

Despite these protests, Kangana Ranaut reassured her audience that the film does not feature Bhindranwale or depict his name. She explained through her X account that they were forced to eliminate references to Bhindranwale due to demands of the project and emphasized that her portrayal was not intended to incite controversy. Nevertheless, the SGPC maintains that the film's release could lead to public unrest.

With the film's scheduled release date fast approaching, the tension between community sentiments and cinematic expression looks set for a critical juncture. For ongoing developments, please refer to the initial reporting by Times of India.