Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency banned in Bangladesh due to ‘ongoing political dynamics’ with India

The film showcases India’s role in Bangladesh’s 1971 war of independence, highlighting the support given to Shaikh Mujibur Rehman, the Father of Bangladesh. It also depicts the assassination of Rehman at the hands of Bangladeshi extremists, which is believed to be a factor in the ban.

Emergency has faced delays in its release. Initially, the film was scheduled to hit theaters across the country on September 6, 2024 but it was delayed after failing to receive a clearance certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). As per Indian laws, films must obtain a nod from the CBFC, which is essential for public exhibition.

After resolving the censor board issues, the film’s release was postponed again due to various controversies surrounding it. The film is now set to release in India on January 17, although its fate in Bangladesh has been sealed.

The ban on Emergency in Bangladesh underscores the significant impact of political climates on cultural exchanges. Indian films have faced disruptions in Bangladesh due to fluctuating diplomatic ties, and Emergency is not the first film to be banned. While some reports suggest that Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2 was also not released in Bangladesh, it’s worth noting that Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 was actually released in Bangladesh on the same day as its Indian premiere, November 1, thanks to the Agreement on South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA). According to the Dhaka Tribune, Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor’s Stree 2 was also released in Bangladesh, in October 2024.