Emergency Movie Review | Kangana Ranaut | Anupam Kher

“Emergency” is an upcoming Hindi-language biographical political drama directed by and starring Kangana Ranaut as former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The film delves into the events of the 1975 Emergency period in India, a significant chapter in the nation’s history.

What is the Emergency Period ?

The 1975 Emergency in India refers to a period of 21 months from June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977, when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency across the country. This was a controversial and pivotal period in Indian political history, characterized by the suspension of civil liberties, press censorship, and the arrest of political opponents.

End of the Emergency

  • In January 1977, Indira Gandhi unexpectedly announced elections, believing she would win.
  • However, in the March 1977 elections, the Janata Party (a coalition of opposition groups) achieved a historic victory, and Morarji Desai became the Prime Minister.
  • Indira Gandhi and the Congress Party faced a massive defeat, marking the first time a non-Congress government came to power in India.

Impact

  1. Democratic Resilience:

    • The Emergency became a lesson in the importance of safeguarding democratic values and institutions.
    • It led to greater awareness among citizens about their rights.
  2. Political Reforms:

    • Subsequent governments took measures to strengthen democratic safeguards and reduce the likelihood of misuse of emergency powers.
  3. Indira Gandhi’s Image:

    • While she was criticized for authoritarianism, Indira Gandhi’s later political career saw a resurgence, and she returned as Prime Minister in 1980.

About the Movie

  • Director & Lead Actor: Kangana Ranaut
  • About: This upcoming film portrays Indira Gandhi’s leadership during the Emergency, focusing on the political turmoil and significant events of the time. Kangana Ranaut plays Indira Gandhi, and the film offers a dramatized view of her decisions and the impact of the Emergency on the nation.
  • Release Date: January 17, 2025 (In Cinemas)

Major Cast

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Kangana Ranaut as Indira Gandhi (lead actor)
anupam kher
Anupam Kher as Jayaprakash Narayan
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Milind Soman as Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw
Emergency Movie Removed Scenes
Shreyas Talpade as Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Performance

Kangana’s transformation into Indira Gandhi is commendable. From the prosthetics to body language, she displays meticulous attention to detail. However, her voice modulation has sparked mixed reactions; while some find it compelling, others feel it occasionally detracts from the gravitas of her portrayal.

The supporting cast adds value, with notable performances by actors playing prominent political figures of the era. Their chemistry and interaction with Kangana’s character create some of the film’s most gripping moments.

Direction and Cinematography

Ranaut’s dual role as actor and director is ambitious. The film’s visual appeal—marked by muted tones and period-appropriate settings—successfully evokes the tension and unease of the Emergency era. That said, some critics argue that the storytelling could have been tighter, as certain sequences feel overly dramatized or drawn out.

Cinematics

Indira Gandhi
Indira Gandhi Emergency
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Strengths and Drawbacks

Strengths:

    • Bold subject matter rarely explored in Indian cinema.
    • Strong performances from the lead and supporting cast.
    • Impressive production design that recreates the 1970s.

Drawbacks:

    • The narrative leans heavily on dramatization, sometimes at the expense of nuance.
    • Historical accuracy is occasionally overshadowed by cinematic liberties, which may polarize viewers.

Final Verdict

Emergency is undoubtedly a bold attempt to revisit a significant chapter in India’s history. Kangana Ranaut’s portrayal of Indira Gandhi, coupled with her directorial vision, showcases her commitment to the project. While the film has its share of flaws, it succeeds in sparking conversations about power, governance, and individual liberties.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a cinephile intrigued by strong political dramas, Emergency is worth watching for its ambitious storytelling and Kangana Ranaut’s powerhouse performance.

Rating: 3.5/5

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