Kangana Ranaut’s “Emergency“ is a political drama that attempts to capture one of the most controversial periods in Indian history—the Emergency of 1975. While the film boasts a stellar cast and a powerful central performance by Kangana herself, it struggles to rise above a weak script and inconsistent execution.
If you’re wondering whether this film is worth your time, here’s a detailed Emergency movie review that breaks down what works, what doesn’t, and why Kangana’s portrayal of Indira Gandhi is the film’s saving grace.
Table of Contents
The Premise of Emergency
The film opens by chronicling the events leading up to the declaration of the Emergency in 1975, a period when civil liberties were suspended, and democracy was put on hold in India. Kangana Ranaut steps into the shoes of Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister, and the narrative explores her motivations, vulnerabilities, and the consequences of her decisions.
The supporting cast includes stalwarts like the late Satish Kaushik, Shreyas Talpade, and Anupam Kher, who add depth to the story. However, the film’s treatment often feels like a political science lecture, which may test the patience of viewers.
While the intention to portray Indira Gandhi’s complex personality is commendable, the execution lacks subtlety. For instance, the film uses heavy-handed metaphors, such as focusing on a lioness’s picture to symbolize Indira’s strength, or mirror reflections to depict her remorse. These moments feel unnecessary, as Kangana’s acting alone could have conveyed the emotions effectively.
What Works in Emergency
1. Kangana Ranaut’s Performance
Kangana Ranaut is undoubtedly the heart of the film. Despite initial skepticism about her prosthetic nose and exaggerated mannerisms, she gradually wins you over with her powerful portrayal of Indira Gandhi. Her performance in the second half, especially during moments of personal loss, is deeply moving and showcases her range as an actor.
2. The Second Half
The film picks up pace after the intermission, as Kangana’s character takes center stage. The second half delivers some power-packed moments and emotional depth, salvaging the film from being a complete letdown.
3. Balanced Narrative
To its credit, “Emergency” doesn’t attempt to whitewash or vilify Indira Gandhi’s actions. It presents a balanced view of her decisions during the Emergency, as well as the personal and political challenges she faced.
4. Supporting Cast
The supporting cast, though underutilized, delivers solid performances. Anupam Kher is restrained and effective, while the late Satish Kaushik leaves a lasting impression with just a single line.
What Doesn’t Work in Emergency
1. Weak Script and Execution
The biggest flaw of “Emergency” is its weak script. The film tries to cram too much into its runtime, resulting in a disjointed narrative. The first half, in particular, feels slow and unintentionally funny at times, making it hard to stay engaged.
2. Lack of Subtlety
The film’s overuse of metaphors and visual cues feels heavy-handed. For example, Indira’s remorse could have been conveyed through Kangana’s expressions alone, without the need for exaggerated mirror scenes.
3. Misplaced Songs
While the music of the film has its moments, some of the lip-sync sequences feel out of place and disrupt the flow of the narrative. However, the song “Ae Meri Jaan” by Hariharan is a soothing exception and is well-placed in the story.
Final Verdict
“Emergency” is a film that relies heavily on Kangana Ranaut’s performance to stay afloat. Her portrayal of Indira Gandhi is compelling and carries the film through its weaker moments. The second half offers some redemption with emotional and impactful scenes, but the overall experience is let down by a weak script and inconsistent execution.
If you’re a fan of Kangana or interested in political dramas, “Emergency” is worth a watch for its performances. However, don’t expect a gripping or seamless narrative. It’s a film that shines in parts but fails to come together as a cohesive whole.
Final Thoughts
“Emergency” is a film that had the potential to be a gripping political drama but falls short due to its uneven execution. However, Kangana Ranaut’s powerful performance as Indira Gandhi ensures that the film remains watchable.
If you’re looking for a film that delves into one of India’s most controversial political periods, “Emergency” offers a glimpse, albeit with its share of flaws. Watch it for the performances, but don’t expect a masterpiece.
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FAQs
1. Is Emergency worth watching?
“Emergency” is worth watching if you’re a fan of Kangana Ranaut or enjoy political dramas. While the film has its flaws, Kangana’s performance and the emotional depth in the second half make it a decent one-time watch.
2. Does Emergency accurately portray Indira Gandhi’s actions during the Emergency?
The film takes a balanced approach, neither glorifying nor vilifying Indira Gandhi. It highlights her motivations, vulnerabilities, and the consequences of her decisions, offering a nuanced portrayal of her character.
