Emergency Movie Review: Kangana’s Powerful Performance

Emergency

Kangana Ranaut’s much-anticipated political drama, Emergency, has finally hit the screens, and it delivers a bold portrayal of one of the most controversial periods in Indian political history. Directed by and starring Kangana herself, the film explores the Emergency imposed by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi between 1975 and 1977—a time that significantly impacted the nation. While the film is not without its flaws, Kangana’s powerful performance as Indira Gandhi makes Emergency an engaging watch.

Here’s an in-depth review of the film, covering its strengths, weaknesses, and overall impact.

Plot Summary: A Journey Through India’s Tumultuous Political Era

The film is a dramatized account of the Emergency period, focusing on the political decisions and their consequences during Indira Gandhi’s leadership. The story is structured around Gandhi’s controversial declaration of Emergency, which suspended constitutional rights, censored the press, and led to widespread arrests of political opponents.

Kangana delves into the psyche of Indira Gandhi, portraying her as a complex, determined leader who believed she was acting in the country’s best interest, even as her decisions led to public outrage and protests. The narrative attempts to strike a balance between presenting Gandhi as a strong leader and critiquing her authoritarian policies.

Interspersed with historical events and fictionalized characters, the film also highlights the struggles of ordinary citizens, journalists, and opposition leaders during this period.

Kangana Ranaut Shines as Indira Gandhi

One of the film’s biggest strengths is Kangana Ranaut’s portrayal of Indira Gandhi. She embodies the former Prime Minister with remarkable precision, capturing her mannerisms, speech patterns, and commanding presence. Kangana’s transformation into Gandhi is evident not only in her physical appearance—thanks to prosthetics and styling—but also in her ability to convey the character’s inner turmoil and steely determination.

Her performance is layered, offering glimpses of Gandhi’s vulnerability as a mother alongside her unyielding demeanor as a leader. Kangana’s portrayal anchors the film, making it compelling even during its weaker moments.

Supporting Cast and Performances

The supporting cast plays a crucial role in bringing the story to life:

  • Anupam Kher delivers a solid performance as J.P. Narayan, a prominent opposition leader who fought against the Emergency’s authoritarianism.
  • Milind Soman impresses as Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, offering a brief but impactful portrayal of the military’s role during the period.
  • Shreyas Talpade stands out as a journalist struggling to report the truth amidst heavy censorship, adding emotional depth to the film.

While the supporting cast is strong, some characters feel underdeveloped, with their arcs left incomplete as the film prioritizes Gandhi’s narrative.

Direction and Screenplay: A Mixed Bag

As a director, Kangana Ranaut takes a bold approach in tackling a politically sensitive topic. She attempts to humanize Indira Gandhi while shedding light on the darker aspects of the Emergency. However, the film’s screenplay is uneven, with moments of brilliance often overshadowed by a sluggish pace and overly dramatic sequences.

The first half sets the stage well, diving into the political chaos and the reasons behind the Emergency’s declaration. However, the second half tends to drag, with repetitive scenes that dilute the narrative’s impact. Some dialogues come across as preachy, and certain subplots feel unnecessary, detracting from the film’s central theme.

Cinematography and Production Design

The film excels in its visual presentation. The cinematography by Pankaj Kumar captures the era beautifully, from the corridors of power in Delhi to the streets filled with protests. The muted color palette and lighting reflect the grim atmosphere of the time, adding authenticity to the narrative.

The production design deserves special mention for its meticulous recreation of the 1970s. From the costumes to the props, every detail feels authentic, transporting the audience back to this critical period in Indian history.

Music and Background Score

The background score, composed by A.R. Rahman, adds emotional weight to the narrative, enhancing key moments in the film. The use of traditional instruments and somber tones complements the gravity of the subject matter.

However, the film’s songs feel out of place, occasionally disrupting the narrative flow. A more restrained approach to music could have maintained the film’s serious tone throughout.

Strengths of the Film

  • Kangana Ranaut’s Performance: Her nuanced portrayal of Indira Gandhi is the film’s highlight, capturing both the leader’s strength and vulnerability.
  • Authentic Visuals: The cinematography and production design effectively transport the audience to the 1970s.
  • Historical Insight: The film sheds light on a critical period in Indian history, sparking discussion about the complexities of leadership and governance.

Weaknesses of the Film

  • Pacing Issues: The film’s slow second half and repetitive sequences detract from its overall impact.
  • Unfinished Subplots: Several supporting characters and storylines feel underdeveloped.
  • Overly Dramatic Moments: Some scenes prioritize melodrama over subtle storytelling, reducing their emotional impact.

Final Verdict: A Mixed Yet Compelling Drama

Emergency is a bold attempt to explore a controversial and complex period in Indian history. Kangana Ranaut’s exceptional performance as Indira Gandhi elevates the film, making it a must-watch for fans of political dramas and historical narratives.

While the film falters in pacing and storytelling, it succeeds in sparking thought and discussion about the events and decisions that shaped modern India. Emergency may not be flawless, but it is an important film that highlights the challenges of leadership and the resilience of democracy.

Rating: 3.5/5

Emergency is worth watching for Kangana Ranaut’s powerhouse performance and its exploration of a significant chapter in Indian history. Despite its flaws, the film offers an engaging and thought-provoking cinematic experience that leaves a lasting impression.