Star Cast: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Mahima Chaudhary, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, and others
Director: Kangana Ranaut
Language: Hindi
Available On: Theatrical release
What’s Good: The film presents a balanced yet insightful take on one of India’s most controversial prime ministers without pushing any political agenda.
What’s Bad: Certain sections feel episodic at times.
Loo Break: None required!
Watch or Not?: Definitely, it’s both educational and entertaining.
The movie Emergency centers on one of the darkest chapters in independent India’s history—the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi. Although it focuses on the events surrounding this period, the film also plays out like a biopic, delving into Indira Gandhi’s life from her early years to her assassination seven years after lifting the Emergency.
Surprisingly, despite Kangana Ranaut’s personal political views that differ vastly from those of Indira Gandhi, the film maintains a balanced portrayal of the former prime minister.
Emergency Movie Review: Script Analysis
Kangana Ranaut crafts a narrative based on Indira Gandhi’s life, covering key moments of her career. Scriptwriters Ritesh Shah and Tanvi Kesari Pasumarthy skillfully weave these events into a gripping story. While the film has an episodic structure, it manages to stay cohesive due to the clever storytelling.
Rather than portraying Indira Gandhi solely as a power-hungry leader, the film explores why she made certain decisions, including her inability to control her son Sanjay Gandhi’s drastic actions, such as the forced sterilization movement. This nuanced approach adds depth to the portrayal of her character.
There are moments of satire and humor, including depictions of U.S. President Nixon’s opinion on Indian women. One standout scene is Indira’s meeting with Jayaprakash Narayan after her imprisonment. The affectionate relationship between them is portrayed beautifully, offering a glimpse into the complexities of their connection.
The film also highlights Indira’s significant contributions, such as spearheading India’s first nuclear test at Pokhran. However, it shies away from controversial topics like Lal Bahadur Shastri’s mysterious death. The script also avoids Indira’s premonition about her own assassination, focusing instead on her loyalty to her Sikh bodyguards despite opposition after Operation Blue Star.
While some historical liberties are taken, they are handled judiciously. Overall, the film provides an in-depth exploration of Indira’s psyche, making for a compelling narrative.
Emergency Movie Review: Star Performance
Kangana Ranaut delivers an extraordinary performance, embodying a complex woman who was both tough and vulnerable. Her portrayal is seamless and magnetic, capturing the essence of Indira Gandhi. It’s a performance that could easily earn her another National Award.
Anupam Kher as Jayaprakash Narayan is restrained and dignified, while Milind Soman portrays Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw with a patriotic fervor. Shreyas Talpade shines as Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Darshan Pandya impresses as Indira’s loyal secretary R.K. Dhawan. The ensemble cast delivers solid performances, supporting the film’s powerful narrative.
Emergency Movie Review: Direction & Music
Kangana Ranaut has grown significantly as a director since her debut in Manikarnika. Her attention to detail, from the framing of shots to the interplay of visuals and dialogue, demonstrates her pursuit of perfection. She skillfully avoids sensationalism, opting for a more restrained approach in portraying sensitive moments, such as the forced sterilization campaign and the assassination of Indira Gandhi.
The music complements the film well, with G.V. Prakash’s score setting the tone. The track “Singhasan Khaali Karo” stands out, and Arko’s “Aa Meri Jaan” is another highlight.
Emergency Movie Review: The Last Word
In a time when historical awareness is often lacking, Emergency serves as both a source of entertainment and education. Its historically accurate portrayal, balanced script, and standout performances make it a film worth watching more than once. While not without its omissions, it captures the essence of a complex leader and the tumultuous era she governed.
