‘Emergency’ screening: After UK MP’s backing, Kangana fires salvo at Indian politicians

Hours after actor Kangana Ranaut fired a “pin-drop silence” salvo at Indian politicians and feminists following obstruction of the screening of her film ‘Emergency’ in Britain, the MEA said it was in touch with the UK authorities on the related reports.

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‘Queen’ actor Kangana posted a video of a British MP supporting her film to say “British MP raises his voice for my fundamental right of free speech…meanwhile, pin-drop silence from Indian politicians and feminists”.

British politician Bob Blackman recently, raising the issue, said everyone must stand against the suppression of free speech. “On Sunday, many of my constituents gathered and paid for a screening of the film ‘Emergency’ in the Harrow Vue cinema. At about 30 or 40 minutes into the screening of the film, masked pro-Khalistan thugs burst in, threatened members of the audience and forced the screening to end,” Bob Blackman said in Parliament.

He also posted on X saying, “I raised the horrific intimidation of my constituents and many others as pro-Khalistan thugs disrupted screenings of the new ‘Emergency’ film in cinemas. We must stand up to anyone trying to silence free speech.”

After Kangana’s X post on the issue, the Ministry of External Affairs expressed concern over disruptions at screening of the movie.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said freedom of speech and expression could not be applied selectively.

“We have also seen several reports on how the film ‘Emergency’, which was being screened in several halls, was being obstructed. We have consistently raised concerns with the UK Government regarding incidents of violent protest and intimidation by anti-India elements. Freedom of speech and expression cannot be applied selectively and those obstructing it must be held accountable,” the MEA spokesperson said.

He added, “We hope that the UK side will take appropriate action against those responsible.” Some British Sikh groups staged protests against Kangana Ranaut’s film ‘Emergency’, disrupting screenings at several cinemas across the UK.

The Sikh Press Association (PA) group stated on social media that the film is seen as “anti-Sikh” and the protests have resulted in cancelled screenings in Birmingham and Wolverhampton in the West Midlands region of England. Community organisation Insight UK had posted a video on its X platform showing masked protesters interrupting a London screening of the film, directed by Ranaut who also essays the role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.