Vivek Agnihotri Supports Kangana Ranaut Amid Emergency CBFC Clearance Delay: 'Develop Spine To Take Criticism'

Kangana Ranaut’s upcoming film Emergency is facing a delay in getting a clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Amid this, the actor has come out in support of filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri’s call for censorship on TV debates, political speeches, and religious sermons, which he described as the “real sources of fake news.”

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Vivek Agnihotri wrote, “CENSORSHIP: No creative expression should ever be censored — that’s my personal view. But if you still insist on censorship, why not start with TV debates, news programs, political speeches, and religious sermons? These are often the real sources of fake news, division, hate, and violence.”

He added, “If you feel it maligns you or hurts your sentiments, then you should develop some spine to take that criticism. If it doesn’t present your side, create something that presents your case. After all, cowards only censor what exposes their ugly face”.

Kangana Ranaut took to her Instagram Stories to share a screenshot of the tweet along with a link.

Kangana Ranaut’s directorial release Emergency has been postponed, reportedly due to rising controversies. The actor and Mandi Lok Sabha MP has said that the film’s approval was “stopped” because CBFC members got “threats.” A new release date hasn’t been set yet.

The controversy started brewing when Emergency trailer was released a few weeks ago. It showed Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a Khalistan leader, promising to support Indira Gandhi’s party for a separate Sikh state. Irked by it, the Shiromani Akali Dal in Delhi then sent a legal notice to the CBFC, asking to stop the film because of its portrayal of Sikhs.