Kangana Ranaut’s ambitious political drama, Emergency, premiered on January 17, 2025, aiming to explore the tumultuous and controversial period of the Indian Emergency (1975-1977). The film, which Ranaut directs, produces, and stars in as former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, attempts to weave a tale of power, politics, and personal struggle during one of India’s darkest chapters.
However, despite its grand aspirations and heavy subject matter, Emergency has received a mixed bag of reviews, with many critics pointing out glaring flaws in its execution. While the movie’s focus on a significant period of Indian history is commendable, the portrayal often appears shallow and struggles to capture the complexity of its central figure and the era.
Plot Overview
The film chronicles Indira Gandhi’s political journey, focusing primarily on the period leading up to and during the Emergency, when fundamental rights were suspended, censorship was imposed, and political opponents were jailed. In this volatile backdrop, Emergency aims to explore Gandhi’s rise to power, her relationship with her son Sanjay Gandhi (played by Vishak Nair), and her clashes with opposition leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan (Anupam Kher).
Ranaut attempts to humanize the central figure, portraying her as both a resolute leader and a flawed individual grappling with immense political and personal pressure. However, the narrative quickly falters in its ability to balance historical accuracy with cinematic dramatization.
Emergency Film Review
Despite its potential to be a compelling political drama, Emergency struggles to deliver a cohesive or impactful narrative. Critics have largely noted the film’s lack of depth in character development, narrative coherence, and an over-reliance on dramatic flair over substance.
Character Portrayals and Performances
Kangana Ranaut’s portrayal of Indira Gandhi has been a focal point of criticism. While the effort to capture Gandhi’s commanding presence is evident, many believe the performance lacks the nuance necessary to convey the multifaceted personality of the leader. Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV describes the performance as “superficial,” stating, “The film wades through Indira Gandhi’s life hastily, with little effort to delve into the complexities of her character.” This sentiment echoes a broader critique of the film’s inability to humanize Gandhi beyond a singular dimension.
Vishak Nair’s portrayal of Sanjay Gandhi also fails to leave a lasting impression. The character comes across as one-dimensional, with his notorious political decisions and influence during the Emergency reduced to over-simplified dramatics. Similarly, supporting characters like Jayaprakash Narayan and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, portrayed by seasoned actors like Anupam Kher, are written with broad strokes, often bordering on caricature.
Adding to the controversy, the film includes bizarre creative choices, such as musical interludes where key opposition figures sing songs criticizing Indira Gandhi’s rule. Nandini Ramnath of Scroll.in criticized this as “parodic,” arguing that such moments undermine the gravitas of the historical events being depicted.
Narrative Structure and Direction
The film’s narrative is another area of concern. Rather than presenting a balanced and nuanced exploration of the Emergency, the story often veers into melodrama. The script sacrifices subtlety and depth for overt dramatization, resulting in a story that feels rushed and incomplete.
Dhaval Roy of The Times of India noted, “While Emergency touches on pivotal events, its lack of narrative fluidity and overly dramatized approach undermines the potential for an engaging historical retelling.” The film fails to explore key events of the Emergency, such as the forced sterilization campaigns and large-scale slum demolitions, in detail. Instead, it offers a cursory glance at these issues, leaving audiences unsatisfied.
The dialogue, often filled with heavy-handed exposition, fails to elevate the narrative. Key moments in the film that could have been emotionally charged or intellectually stimulating come across as hollow due to weak scripting and direction.
Visual and Technical Aspects
On a visual level, Emergency fares slightly better, though it too has its shortcomings. Cinematographer Tetsuo Nagata manages to capture some striking visuals, particularly in scenes depicting protests and political rallies. However, the overall execution suffers due to inconsistent pacing and disjointed editing.
The use of prosthetics and makeup to transform Kangana Ranaut into Indira Gandhi has received mixed feedback. While the resemblance is apparent, the performance does not consistently align with the visual transformation, leaving the audience disconnected. Similarly, the film’s production design, while ambitious, often feels overdone, as if compensating for the lack of a compelling script.
Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express pointed out that the film is “weak in craft,” noting that technical elements such as sound design and lighting fail to enhance the storytelling in any meaningful way.
Critical Reception
The reception to Emergency has been predominantly negative, with critics from major publications expressing disappointment. Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV rated the film 1.5 out of 5 stars, calling it a “monumental muddle” and stating that it serves as a lesson in how not to make a biopic. Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express also gave the film 1.5 stars, criticizing its confused narrative and lack of depth.
Nandini Ramnath of Scroll.in described the movie as a “parodic Indira Gandhi biopic,” indicating that the film unintentionally leans into parody rather than serious drama.
On the other hand, some audiences have appreciated the film’s ambition and its attempt to shed light on a pivotal period in Indian history. However, even among supporters, there is a consensus that the execution leaves much to be desired.
Conclusion
Emergency aimed to be a groundbreaking political drama, offering a fresh perspective on the controversial era of Indira Gandhi’s Emergency. However, the film falters in its attempt to balance historical gravitas with cinematic storytelling. Its lack of narrative depth, weak character portrayals, and inconsistent technical execution prevent it from achieving the impact it intended.
While it succeeds in sparking conversations about a critical period in Indian history, Emergency ultimately falls short of being a compelling or insightful portrayal of its central figure or the events of the time. Kangana Ranaut’s vision, though ambitious, is hindered by its inability to deliver a nuanced and engaging narrative, leaving audiences and critics alike underwhelmed. For a film that sought to shed light on an era of significant political upheaval, Emergency remains an opportunity missed.
