Cast: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry, Vishak Nair & Satish Kaushik

Director: Kangana Ranaut

Rating: **½

The political drama Emergency takes audiences back to one of the most controversial periods in Indian history - the Emergency imposed in 1975. Directed and headlined by Kangana Ranaut, the film delves into the tumultuous tenure of India’s then-Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi.

A Historical Retelling of the 1975 Emergency

The Emergency (1975–1977) remains one of the darkest chapters in India's political landscape, marked by widespread civil rights suppression and authoritarian rule. Emergency attempts to recreate this turbulent era on the big screen, showcasing its impact on the nation and the political decisions that led to its imposition.

Written by Kangana Ranaut (story), Ritesh Shah (screenplay and dialogues), and Tanvi Kesari Pasumarthy, the movie takes inspiration from Coomi Kapoor’s The Emergency and Jaiyanth Sinha’s Priyadarshini. The narrative begins in 1929 and spans several decades, covering key historical moments such as India’s Independence, the Indo-China War of 1962, the Assam crisis, Indira Gandhi’s political ascent, and the Indo-Pak War of 1971.

A Fragmented Screenplay with Striking Visuals

While the film aspires to be an expansive historical drama, its screenplay struggles with coherence. Rather than a seamless narrative, the movie often feels like a collection of disconnected historical episodes. Additionally, some sequences, particularly those depicting war crimes against women and children, lean towards excessive dramatization.

Despite this, the film does manage to deliver some hard-hitting moments. One of the most compelling scenes is the intense face-off between Indira Gandhi and US President Richard Nixon before the Indo-Pak War of 1971. Gandhi’s defiant words - “You have weaponry, we have courage” - resonate strongly, setting the stage for a meticulously crafted war sequence. Credit for the film’s striking visuals goes to cinematographer Tetsuo Nagata, who brings a raw and immersive quality to these pivotal moments.

Character Portrayals: Strengths and Shortcomings

While Emergency focuses on Indira Gandhi, it fails to provide adequate context for several supporting characters, making it difficult for audiences unfamiliar with the era to fully grasp their significance. The role of Pupul Jayakar (Mahima Chaudhary), a close confidante of Gandhi, lacks depth, and the portrayal of the Emergency itself feels abrupt rather than gradually unfolding.

However, certain performances stand out. Kangana Ranaut shines in the latter half of the film, particularly in scenes post-Emergency, such as her interaction with philosopher J. Krishnamurti (Avijit Dutt) and her historic visit to Bihar’s Belchi village at the age of 60, where she rode an elephant to connect with displaced citizens.

Anupam Kher delivers a compelling performance as Jaiprakash Narayan, while Milind Soman leaves a lasting impression in his brief role as Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. Vishak Nair brings an intimidating presence as Sanjay Gandhi. However, Shreyas Talpade’s portrayal of Atal Bihari Vajpayee falls short of capturing the former Prime Minister’s essence.

A Dramatic but One-Dimensional Political Narrative

Despite its ambitious subject matter, Emergency struggles with its overly dramatic tone and lack of narrative fluidity. The film attempts to cover multiple historical events but often lacks the necessary depth and background to make them resonate with audiences. While certain sequences pack a punch, the film’s tendency to sensationalize detracts from its historical authenticity.

Music and Cinematic Elements

The soundtrack complements the film’s dramatic tone. Singhasan Khaali Karo (performed by Udit Narayan, Nakash Aziz, and Nakul Abhyankar) delivers a commanding anthem, while Ae Meri Jaan (composed by Arko and featuring Hariharan) stands out as a soulful piece.

Final Verdict: A Mixed Bag of History and Drama

Emergency presents a visually striking but narratively inconsistent depiction of one of India’s most controversial political periods. While Kangana Ranaut’s performance and certain well-executed sequences make an impact, the film falls short in delivering a cohesive and immersive historical drama. For those interested in India’s political past, Emergency offers a glimpse into a significant era but may leave viewers wanting a more nuanced and balanced portrayal.