"This is a very controversial film."
Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency (2025) is a controversial film in which the actress portrays Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
The film has faced numerous setbacks regarding its release, having been delayed several times.
Kangana also received threats and the film struggled to obtain clearance from Indian censorship.
While the movie was ultimately released on January 17, 2025, protestors in the UK invaded screenings, resulting in various cinemas pulling the showings.
British MP Bob Blackman recently defended Emergency in Parliament, making a short speech on his views on the matter.
He said: “On Sunday, many members of my constituents gathered and paid for a screening of the film Emergency in the Harrow Vue Cinema.
“About 30 or 40 minutes into the screening of that film, masked Khalistani terrorists burst in and threatened members of the audience and forced the screening to end.
“I understand that similar disruption took place in Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Slough, Staines, and Manchester.
“As a result, Vue Cinemas and Cineworld have pulled the film from being screened.
“This is a very controversial film, and I don’t comment on the quality or content of the film.
“But I do defend the right of my constituents and others to be able to view that film and make a decision on it.
“There are certain views that this is an anti-Sikh film but I think members of our constituents should be able to see this film and judge for themselves and not be threatened by thugs who want to disrupt democratic opportunities to see public films.
“So, could we have a statement from the Home Secretary next week on what is going to be done to ensure that people who want to see these films that have been passed by the censors, can do so in peace and harmony?
“I absolutely defend the right of people to demonstrate outside the cinemas but not to disrupt the actual viewing.”
I raised the horrific intimidation of my constituents and many others, as Pro-Khalistan thugs disrupted screenings of the new “Emergency” film in cinemas.
Some cinemas have even pulled the film in fear of more disruption.
We must stand up to anyone trying to silence free speech pic.twitter.com/OSgFlVk9Xn
— Bob Blackman (@BobBlackman) January 23, 2025
Kangana retweeted the clip on X and wrote:
“A British MP raises his voice for my fundamental right of free speech while there is a pin-drop silence from Indian politicians and feminists.”
Blackman was referring to an incident on January 19, 2025, which saw protestors storm a screening of Emergency in Harrow Vue Cinema, terrifying customers.
According to a customer who purchased tickets, the protestors shouted: “Down with India!”
The film has been dubbed as “nationalist propaganda” and is said to “perpetuate anti-Sikh hate”.
Meanwhile, Emergency has currently earned over Rs 17 crores at the box office.