While Kangana Ranaut’s performance holds the film together, its heavy-handed execution and pacing falter
Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency sets out to depict one of India’s most turbulent periods—the 1975 Emergency. With its political thriller backdrop and a stellar supporting cast, the film offers moments of brilliance, particularly in its second half, but struggles to maintain engagement throughout.
The Premise: A History Lesson in Cinema
The movie opens by chronicling the events leading to the declaration of the Emergency. Featuring Shreyas Talpade, Anupam Kher, and the late Satish Kaushik, it unfolds much like a political science lecture—dense with facts but lacking the finesse to hold audience attention consistently.
The story captures Indira Gandhi’s hamartia—her belief in her invincibility—but often leans too heavily on dramatics, such as symbolic mirror reflections and overemphasized metaphors (a lioness, really?). Subtlety takes a backseat, leaving viewers disengaged at times.
Strengths and Shortcomings
The first half, leading up to the announcement of the Emergency, is a slog, with moments of unintentional humor diluting the gravity of the subject. However, the intermission marks a turning point. The second half sees Kangana take command, delivering power-packed and emotional moments that redeem the narrative.
Kangana’s performance, especially in a heart-wrenching scene of personal loss, showcases her caliber as an actor. The prosthetic nose aside, she delivers a convincing portrayal of Indira Gandhi. Meanwhile, the supporting cast shines sporadically—Anupam Kher’s restraint and Satish Kaushik’s poignant delivery leave an impression.
The film’s music, while uneven, has its moments. Hariharan’s “Ae Meri Jaan” is a standout, offering a soothing respite amidst an otherwise misfit musical approach.
What Works, What Doesn’t
While the film doesn’t attempt to whitewash or vilify Indira Gandhi, its attempt to cram too much into a single narrative dilutes its impact. The balance Kangana attempts as a director is commendable, but the pacing and lack of narrative cohesion leave much to be desired.
Verdict: Watch for the Acting, Not the Story
Emergency is a mixed bag. It’s an opportunity to witness Kangana Ranaut’s acting prowess, but it falls short of delivering an engaging and cohesive story. If you appreciate strong performances and are intrigued by this historical period, it’s worth a watch—but temper your expectations.
Tags: Emergency Movie Review, Kangana Ranaut, Indira Gandhi, Bollywood Historical Drama, Political Thriller, Anupam Kher, Satish Kaushik, Emergency India
#Tags: #EmergencyMovie #KanganaRanaut #IndiraGandhi #BollywoodDrama #PoliticalThriller #HistoricalCinema #Emergency1975 #MovieReview
