Kangana Ranaut’s ‘Emergency’ won’t be released in Bangladesh

Mumbai — Kangana Ranaut's directorial debut, "Emergency," will not be released in Bangladesh because of strained political relations between the two countries, according to a source close to the matter. The film, which focuses on the life of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, has become caught in a geopolitical dispute.

The source said the decision to ban the film is less about its content and more a reflection of the current political climate between India and Bangladesh. The film depicts Gandhi's role in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, including India's support for Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of Bangladesh.

Indira Gandhi's decision to support Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan was not without challenges. Despite pressure from the United States to stay out of the conflict, she felt that India would be better off going to war against Pakistan than dealing with millions of refugees. This led to the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, where India found support from the Soviet Union against the U.S. threat of a naval offensive.

While Gandhi is credited with aiding Bangladesh's independence, the film also portrays the assassination of Rahman by Bangladeshi extremists. These factors are believed to have contributed to the film's ban in Bangladesh.

Historically, India and Bangladesh have had a close relationship, with Bangladesh being India's sole ally in the subcontinent. However, relations have deteriorated since the ousting of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

"Emergency" highlights the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, during which India fought a two-front war against West Pakistan and East Pakistan, which later became Bangladesh. The film depicts the Indian Army and Gandhi's government's role in the war, as well as the support given to Rahman.