The much-awaited political drama ‘Emergency’, helmed by Bollywood actress and Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut, has finally arrived in theatres today, January 17, after months of delays and challenges. The film, which depicts the turbulent 21-month period of India’s Emergency in 1975, has already garnered attention for its bold storytelling and Ranaut’s stellar performance as the central character.
A Bold Retelling of India’s Controversial Chapter
‘Emergency’ promises to unravel one of the most polarizing episodes in India’s history. The film portrays the political turmoil, power struggles, and resilience during the emergency period, which many consider a dark chapter in post-independence India.
Ranaut, known for her fearless on-screen and off-screen persona, not only stars in the titular role but also shoulders the responsibility of directing and producing this ambitious project. Sharing her vision, she stated, “This story isn’t just about a controversial leader; it delves into themes that remain profoundly relevant today.”
Star-Studded Ensemble Cast
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast:
- Shreyas Talpade portrays a young Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
- Milind Soman takes on the role of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw.
- Mahima Chaudhary plays author and cultural figure Pupul Jayakar.
- The late Satish Kaushik leaves a memorable mark as Jagjivan Ram.
Each actor brings historical figures to life, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.
Challenges Leading Up to the Release
‘Emergency’ has faced its fair share of hurdles, from delays in censor certification to objections raised by political groups. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President, Harjinder Singh Dhami, called for a ban on the film in Punjab, alleging potential misrepresentation of Sikh history. Additionally, the film will not be released in Bangladesh due to strained political relations between the two countries.
Despite these setbacks, Ranaut remained steadfast in her commitment to telling the story. She described the journey as “both difficult and significant,” emphasizing the film’s release ahead of Republic Day as a moment to reflect on India’s constitutional values.
As ‘Emergency’ takes over the big screen, all eyes are on how it performs at the box office and whether it lives up to the buzz. With its potent mix of history, drama, and star power, the film is poised to ignite conversations and possibly stir controversy—just as any impactful political drama should.
Theatres across India are gearing up for a packed weekend, and audiences can now witness a gripping chapter of history come alive through Kangana Ranaut’s vision. Will ‘Emergency’ rise to the occasion? Only time will tell!
Critical Reception:
Gold media’s review:
National Awards is a certain, but Kangana’s performance deserves an Oscars. It is commendable that despite being a bjp leader, yet Kangana showed Indira as a Super woman and a True Nationalist.
Bollymoviereviewz:
Described Emergency as “a cinematic triumph—an ambitious, thoughtful, and emotionally charged film that explores a defining moment in India’s political history”.
