Critic’s Rating: ★★★½ (3.5/5)
Average User Rating: ★★★★ (3.8/5)
Quick Take: Kangana Ranaut’s bold direction and powerful portrayal of Indira Gandhi create a compelling retelling of one of India’s most controversial political eras.
The Story
Emergency dives into the life and times of Indira Gandhi, the woman who redefined Indian politics with her unwavering resolve. The film paints her as the ultimate iron lady, from her role in the Indo-Pak War of 1971 and the birth of Bangladesh to the infamous Emergency period (1975-1977). Balancing her personal challenges with political turmoil, the narrative highlights her strained relationships, the rise of Sanjay Gandhi, and her unyielding ambition that often came at great personal cost.
While the movie glorifies Indira’s achievements, it controversially portrays figures like Jawahar Lal Nehru and others through a narrow lens, often perpetuating modern biases rather than historical nuance.
Performance Highlights
Kangana Ranaut is the undeniable heart of Emergency. Her commanding performance captures Indira Gandhi’s charisma, vulnerability, and ferocity. Though prosthetics initially transform her into the former Prime Minister, they fade as the film progresses, yet Kangana’s portrayal remains strong. Her depiction of Indira’s nervous tics and internal struggles brings a unique, albeit sometimes exaggerated, dimension to the character.
Mahima Chaudhry delivers a grounded performance as Pupul Jayakar, Indira’s confidante, while Vishak Nair’s portrayal of Sanjay Gandhi borders on caricature. Despite commendable efforts, Anupam Kher (as Jayaprakash Narayan), Shreyas Talpade (as Atal Bihari Vajpayee), and Milind Soman (as Sam Manekshaw) lack the gravitas required for such iconic roles.
Direction and Cinematography
Kangana Ranaut impresses as a director, weaving a narrative that blends historical events with dramatic flair. The film’s visuals capture the intensity of its subject matter, with striking depictions of war rooms, protests, and political power plays. However, moments like Indira hallucinating a crone-like version of herself verge on the absurd, adding unintended humor to the otherwise serious tone.
What Works
- Kangana’s Performance: Her portrayal of Indira Gandhi is fearless, nuanced, and captivating.
- Historical Drama: The film effectively recreates key moments, like the Bangladesh Liberation War and Sanjay Gandhi’s infamous sterilization drive.
- Emotional Depth: The exploration of Indira’s relationships, particularly with her sons, adds a personal layer to the political drama.
What Doesn’t Work
- Bias in Narrative: The film leans heavily into glorifying Indira Gandhi, often simplifying or overlooking key historical criticisms.
- Supporting Cast: Iconic figures like Vajpayee and Narayan deserved more depth and weight in their portrayals.
- Pacing and Focus: While the film dives deep into Indira’s achievements, it glosses over the darker aspects of the Emergency period, missing an opportunity for a more balanced narrative.
Final Verdict
Emergency is an ambitious project that showcases Kangana Ranaut’s prowess as both an actor and director. While the film may be polarizing for its narrative choices, it offers a gripping portrayal of a leader who left an indelible mark on Indian history. Watch it for Kangana’s commanding performance and a glimpse into one of
Ratings Breakdown:
- Direction: ★★★½ (3.5/5)
- Performance: ★★★★ (4/5)
- Cinematography: ★★★½ (3.5/5)
- Screenplay: ★★★ (3/5)
- Overall: ★★★½ (3.5/5)