Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Kangana Ranaut’s “Emergency” ambitiously attempts to unravel the complex life of Indira Gandhi, focusing on the tumultuous period of the Emergency. However, instead of a nuanced biographical account, the film feels like a selective retelling of history, marred by uneven storytelling and a skewed narrative that leans heavily toward present-day political agendas.
A Storytelling Struggle
When Kangana announced her directorial venture, many speculated it would serve as a political commentary, targeting the Congress during election season. True to those assumptions, the film appears more interested in crafting a narrative to suit modern political rhetoric than delivering a balanced portrayal of one of India’s most controversial leaders.
The screenplay, co-written by Kangana and Ritesh Shah, attempts to delve into Indira Gandhi’s psyche but ends up tying itself in knots. The narrative oscillates between vilification and glorification, ultimately offering a muddled take on her character. While the disclaimer credits multiple historians and books as sources, the film takes significant creative liberties, distorting historical events and sidelining key players like Jagjivan Ram (played poignantly by the late Satish Kaushik).
Missed Opportunities in Historical Context
The film briefly touches upon major milestones, such as the Bangladesh Liberation War and the Pokhran Nuclear Test, but fails to provide the depth these events deserve. Indira’s political maneuvers, such as her battle against the Syndicate or the socio-economic implications of her policies like the Green Revolution and bank nationalization, are glaringly absent. Instead, the focus remains on a simplistic narrative of family politics, with Sanjay Gandhi (Visakh Sen in a commendable performance) portrayed as the primary antagonist.
Even Jawaharlal Nehru, reduced to an insecure patriarch, and historical figures like Atal Bihari Vajpayee (Shreyas Talpade) and Sam Manekshaw (Milind Soman) are presented through an idealized lens, further diluting the film’s credibility as a biographical piece.
Kangana as Indira: A Mixed Bag
As an actor, Kangana shines in parts. She captures Indira’s commanding presence, nervous energy, and occasional vulnerability with impressive finesse. Her scenes with President Nixon and moments of introspection showcase her acting prowess. However, as a director, Kangana struggles to balance her artistic vision with historical authenticity. Her reliance on archival recreations and exaggerated facial expressions often feels superficial, undermining the gravity of the subject.
Technical Brilliance Meets Narrative Chaos
Visually, “Emergency” is a treat. Veteran cinematographer Tetsuo Nagata’s lens captures the period’s paranoia and intensity with precision. The music, though occasionally jarring in its placement, adds a lyrical charm. Yet, the film’s uneven pacing and lack of cohesive storytelling prevent it from becoming the cinematic masterpiece it aspires to be.
Verdict
“Emergency” had the potential to be a riveting exploration of one of the darkest chapters in Indian democracy. Instead, it feels like a missed opportunity—caught between being a political weapon and a historical biopic. While Kangana’s performance as Indira Gandhi deserves praise, the film’s selective storytelling and creative liberties ultimately do a disservice to both history and cinema.
For those seeking a balanced portrayal of Indira Gandhi’s life and legacy, this film offers little more than a glossy but hollow rendition of the past. It might resonate with audiences looking for political symbolism, but for seasoned cinephiles, it’s a reminder of how far ambition can stray from execution.
