What forced Kangana Ranaut to sell her Mumbai bungalow when India's property market is booming

Kangana Ranaut, the actor-politician, recently disclosed that she was compelled to sell her property in Mumbai following the delay in the release of her directorial film "Emergency." The postponement occurred due to a holdup in obtaining the censor certificate. The property in question, a bungalow located in the prime Pali Hill area of Bandra, Mumbai, was sold for Rs 32 crore. Ranaut had originally purchased the bungalow in 2017 for Rs 20.7 crore.

"Emergency," a political drama that explores significant historical events, features Ranaut in the role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The film, which was co-written, directed, and produced by Ranaut, was initially scheduled for release on September 6. However, it could not proceed as planned due to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) withholding its approval. This unexpected delay caused financial strain, prompting Ranaut to sell her Mumbai bungalow.

The Pali Hill bungalow, which spans three storeys and includes a 565 sq ft parking garage, was sold to Kamalini Holdings at a rate of Rs 1.04 lakh per square foot, ET had reported. According to official documents, the transaction was registered on September 5, and the buyer paid Rs 1.92 crore in stamp duty. The property is part of a co-operative society situated on a prime land parcel but boasts its own independent access.

Ranaut has been vocal about the challenges she faced due to the film’s delay. During an interview with News 18 Chaupal, she explained that she had invested her personal property in the film, and now, with the postponement, selling the bungalow became necessary. In addition to discussing her property sale, she also criticized the need for censorship, particularly on OTT platforms. She emphasized that given the content available online, censorship is more urgently required for digital platforms than for theatrical releases.

Ranaut, who essays the role of former prime minister late Indira Gandhi, told News 18 Chaupal, "I had staked my personal property on this film, which was supposed to come in theatres. Now it is not releasing, so the property is there, to be sold off in difficult times."

The film "Emergency" has been controversial since its announcement, particularly among Sikh organizations, which have raised concerns about its portrayal of certain historical events. This backlash has only added to the film’s delayed release, with legal challenges further complicating the process. The Bombay High Court recently declined to provide urgent relief in a case regarding the film’s certification, while the Madhya Pradesh High Court directed the censor board to address objections raised by petitioners.

Despite these challenges, Ranaut remains optimistic, assuring her followers that a new release date will be announced once the certification process is completed. The film features an ensemble cast, including prominent actors like Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, Mahima Chaudhry, and Milind Soman.