Protests against “anti-Sikh” film sees global cancellations

Sikh groups across the world have been protesting at cinema’s regarding last week’s release of the film Emergency, a biopic of former India Prime Minister Indira Gandhi considered anti-Sikh propaganda.

Emergency is viewed as anti-Sikh Indian State propaganda for its depiction of ex-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s role in the Sikh genocide and portrayals of revered Sikh figures. More protests are expected to take place, depending on whether cinemas continue to show the film.

Cancellations of the film, which is a creation of notorious anti-Sikh figure and actor/politician Kangana Ranaut, have occurred in Melbourne (Australia), Toronto (Canada), Manchester, London, Birmingham, Slough, Staines and Telford (UK). Grassroots community groups Shere Panjab UK, AK Media and Sikh Army have been helping coordinate peaceful demonstrations against the film. Groups including Sikh Council UK have called for the film to be banned.

In some instances, Sikh demonstrators – usually masked to help protect their identities, based on Indian transnational repression targeting activists – have managed to see films cancelled through dialogue with cinema staff. However, in other instances, Sikh groups have entered showings to demonstrate as the film paid, resulting in the showing being cancelled midway through. No arrests, nor reports of violence or any incidents of note have been made. Protesters have stringently videoed much of the interactions, reflecting civil protest and clear explanations against the film.

Sikh PA Senior Press Officer Jasveer Singh said of the protests:

“Emergency” is viewed by Sikh groups as Indian State propaganda, not a film or art. It provably displays inaccurate information which maligns revered Sikh figures. Such content perpetuates anti-Sikh hate and Indian State stereotypes demonizing the community, which makes up approximately just 2% of India. The theatres showing this nationalist propaganda are supporting something which poses a danger to Sikh communities today, justifying anti-Sikh hate, which is currently a major concern amid an uptake in India’s transnational violence.”

Last year leading Sikh body the SGPC requested the film to be banned by India for inflammatory anti-Sikh content, which was on view from the first trailer release, and has since been confirmed by sevadaars (selfless servants) whom watched the film to review its content, specifically referencing the anti-Sikh history of creator Kangana Ranaut, someone previously admonished for calling for another Sikh genocide, among a long list of anti-Sikh and anti-Punjabi comments, seemingly starting from the 2020 Farmers Protest. Ranaut is currently a sitting MP for the extremist nationalist BJP, India’s in-power party led by Narendra Modi, known to push Hindutva (Hindu extremism).

Speaking to Sikh PA, one UK protester who wished to remain anonymous said:

“It is a disgrace that UK cinemas can show such films, which are pure anti-Sikh propaganda from India. These businesses need to vet what they show better, because they are pushing hate against Sikhs. Thankfully, nearly all cinema staff have understood our position and supported our stance in having the film removed from listings. It is unfair to these workers to have to defend Indian State propaganda.

“This is also why most of us have chosen to remain anonymous. India targets Sikhs, and even our families back in Punjab. Look at what happened with Shaheed Bhai Avtar Singh Khanda and Shaheed Bhai Hardeep Singh Nijjar. We are choosing to remain as safe as possible whilst exercising our right to peacefully protest.”

Thus far, no cinema groups – such as Cineworld or Vue – have released any official statements about the issue.