Emergency Review: After Political Win, Now This Is A Cinematic Victory For Kangana Ranaut

Title: Emergency

Cast: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Mahima Chaudhary, Vishak Nair

Director: Kangana Ranaut

Where to watch: In theatres

Ratings: 3.5

Emergency Review: From the day, Kangana Ranaut announced her movie Emergency, it has been the talk of the town. The first look of the actress as Indira Gandhi, people calling it a propaganda film, multiple delays in the release date, CBFC stopping the certification and a lot more; this movie has surely grabbed everyone's attention for many reasons. The trailer of Emergency had impressed one and all, but we all were keen to know how the film has turned out to be because this is Kangana's first full-fledged film as a director (she had co-directed Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi).

So, the movie tells the story of former Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi (Kangana Ranaut). One incident during the childhood changes everything for Indira, and she eyes on power and politics. In 1966, she becomes the Prime Minister of India, and then starts the game of power and politics for her. Though the movie is named Emergency, it showcase the different chapters of Indira Gandhi as the Prime Minister. From her role in Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971 to what made her announce emergency, and how her life changed after emergency; the movie concentrates on the different aspects of her journey as a PM.

The story of Emergency is written by Kangana Ranaut, and the screenplay is penned by Ritesh Shah. In Bollywood, we don't get to watch many political dramas and when they are made, they do impress us like Sarkar, Raajneeti, Nayak, to name a few. But, what makes Emergency stand out from these political films is that it showcases some really important chapters of our Indian history. If you are born in 1960s or before that, you would know what exactly Emergency was, and maybe there's a lot of written material about it. But, to watch it on the big screen that too in a very well narrated film, is a different kind of experience.

Kangana Ranaut has proved her mettle as an actress earlier many times, but here her direction impresses us a lot. You might feel while watching the movie that it is just jumping from one incident to another, but the way Kangana has narrated it, that keeps us hooked to the screens. The actress has not directed this movie like a documentary, but has presented it like a proper Bollywood entertainer. There are dramatic scenes, songs, and amazing background score. Also, she has not made a propaganda film. It is not at all Congress bashing movie, neither it insults Indira Gandhi in any way.

Talking about performances, Kangana Ranaut should get ready to receive her fifth National Award. The actress has nailed it as Indira Gandhi. She has undoubtedly given her career's best performance in Emergency. Also, a special mention to the make-up team as they have done a wonderful job to make Kangana look like Indira Gandhi. After Kangana, it is Vishak Nair who steals the show. He portrays the character of Sanjay Gandhi in the film, and has done a fantastic job.

Other actors like Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Mahima Chaudhary, Milind Soman, and late Satish Kaushik are good in their respective roles.

Overall, Kangana Ranaut's Emergency is her cinematic win after her political win last year. Watch it as it showcases some really important events of our Indian history!

Published on: Friday, January 17, 2025, 10:00 AM IST