January 15, 2025: Emergency, the highly anticipated political drama directed by and starring Kangana Ranaut, has been banned from release in Bangladesh, according to sources report. The film, which delves into the controversial Emergency period of 1975 in India under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, is at the heart of a diplomatic row between India and Bangladesh.

The decision to halt the film’s screening in Bangladesh is linked to the ongoing political tensions between the two neighboring countries. A source close to the matter stated, "The ban is more about the current strained relations than the film’s content itself." While Emergency highlights India’s role in the 1971 Liberation War and its support for Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, known as the Father of Bangladesh, it also portrays his assassination at the hands of Bangladeshi extremists — a portrayal believed to be a significant factor in the ban.

In addition to this sensitive historical narrative, the film touches on the relationship between Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Indira Gandhi, who was referred to by him as "Goddess Durga." This depiction, along with the portrayal of Bangladesh’s political history, is said to have contributed to the ban in Bangladesh, amid concerns that it may stir national sensitivities.

The film’s release is generating significant buzz in India, with its bold approach to a critical chapter of Indian history. However, this development underscores how political relations can increasingly affect cultural exchanges. The ban is also seen as part of a broader trend, as recent disruptions in the screening of Indian films in Bangladesh have occurred amid fluctuating diplomatic ties.

Relations between India and Bangladesh have worsened over the past year, particularly following the ouster of Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during large anti-government protests. The subsequent attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh and Dhaka's request for Hasina's extradition have further strained relations. Despite these tensions, New Delhi has extended Hasina's visa, much to the dismay of Bangladesh's interim government.

Emergency is not the first film to face a ban in Bangladesh. Previous releases, such as Pushpa 2 and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, have also been prohibited in the country, pointing to a growing trend of political factors influencing the cultural exchange between India and Bangladesh.