Emergency movie review

“Emergency,” directed by and starring Kangana Ranaut, is a biographical political drama that delves into the life of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, focusing on the tumultuous period of the Emergency imposed in India during the 1970s. The film aims to shed light on significant historical events, including the formation of the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Indo Pak war of 1971, the creation of Bangladesh, and the emergence of the Khalistan movement.

Actor Character Role Description
Kangana Ranaut Indira Gandhi Former Prime Minister of India during the Emergency period.
Milind Soman Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw Renowned Indian Army officer, pivotal in the Indo-Pak war of 1971.
Shreyas Talpade Atal Bihari Vajpayee Influential political leader and future Prime Minister of India.
Anupam Kher Jayaprakash Narayan Key opposition leader who led movements against the Emergency.
Mahima Chaudhry Pupul Jayakar Close confidante and biographer of Indira Gandhi.
Satish Kaushik Jagjivan Ram Prominent leader and former Deputy Prime Minister of India.
Vishak Nair Sanjay Gandhi Indira Gandhi’s younger son, a controversial figure during the Emergency.

Kangana Ranaut’s portrayal of Indira Gandhi has garnered attention for its authenticity and depth. She not only embodies the physical likeness of the former Prime Minister but also captures the nuances of her complex personality. The supporting cast, featuring talented actors such as Milind Soman as Sam Manekshaw, Shreyas Talpade as Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Anupam Kher as Jayaprakash Narayan, and the late Satish Kaushik as Jagjivan Ram, delivers commendable performances that add layers to the narrative.

The film’s screenplay, adapted from the books “Priyadarshini” by Jaiyanth Vasanth Sinha and “The Emergency: A Personal History” by Coomi Kapoor, presents a series of events that keep the audience engaged. However, certain scenes may feel abrupt, and the narrative occasionally adopts a documentary-like tone. The dialogues are realistic and sharp, contributing to the film’s overall impact.

Ranaut’s direction is noteworthy, especially considering the film’s scale and the complexity of the subject matter. She ensures that the grandeur does not overshadow the storytelling, maintaining a balance between historical events and personal moments. The portrayal of Indira Gandhi is nuanced, presenting her as a multifaceted individual rather than a one-dimensional figure. The film explores her relationships, particularly with her son Sanjay Gandhi, highlighting both her strengths and vulnerabilities.

Despite its strengths, “Emergency” has faced criticism for its execution. Some reviewers have pointed out that the film feels more like a docu-drama, lacking the depth and engagement expected from a biographical feature. Certain aspects of Indira Gandhi’s life are portrayed hastily, and some scenes, such as characters breaking into song during serious moments, come across as unintentionally comical, undermining the film’s realism.

The music in “Emergency” includes tracks like “Singhasan Khali Karo” and “Shankhnaad Kar,” which, while catchy, are not utilized effectively within the film. Other songs like “Ae Meri Jaan” and “Beqarariyaan” fail to leave a lasting impression. However, the background score by Sanchit Balhara and Ankit Balhara enhances the viewing experience, complementing the film’s tone and setting.

Technical aspects such as cinematography, costume design, and production design are handled proficiently, contributing to the film’s period appropriate look. The prosthetics and visual effects are satisfactory, aiding in creating a believable portrayal of historical figures and events.

conclusion, “Emergency” offers a portrayal of Indira Gandhi’s life and the significant events during her tenure as Prime Minister. While the film boasts strong performances, particularly by Kangana Ranaut and Vishak Nair, and an unbiased approach to its subject matter, it falls short in execution, with certain scenes lacking depth and coherence. The film may appeal to viewers interested in political dramas and Indian history, but it may not fully satisfy those seeking a comprehensive and engaging biographical narrative.

Emergency (2025) Movie Review: A Bold Take on a Tumultuous Era

Emergency (2025), directed by and starring Kangana Ranaut, revisits one of India’s most controversial political periods the Emergency imposed between 1975 and 1977. The biographical political drama chronicles the life of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and her leadership during this turbulent time. Drawing from historical sources and literary accounts, the film offers a dramatic lens into the socio-political upheaval that shaped modern India.

A Historical and Political Canvas
The movie focuses on pivotal moments in Indian history, including:

The Indo Pak War of 1971 and the subsequent creation of Bangladesh.
The formation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the rise of political opposition figures like Jayaprakash Narayan.


The controversial sterilization campaigns and the emergence of the Khalistan movement.
Ranaut’s portrayal of Indira Gandhi seeks to humanize the iconic leader by showcasing both her iron-willed leadership and her vulnerabilities. The screenplay draws inspiration from Coomi Kapoor’s The Emergency: A Personal History and Jaiyanth Vasanth Sinha’s Priyadarshini, weaving a narrative that oscillates between personal and political drama.

Performances That Elevate the Film


The ensemble cast delivers commendable performances. Key highlights include:

Milind Soman as Sam Manekshaw, bringing gravitas to his role.
Shreyas Talpade as Atal Bihari Vajpayee, embodying the statesman with quiet dignity.
Anupam Kher as Jayaprakash Narayan, portraying the fervor of the resistance.
Satish Kaushik (in one of his final roles) as Jagjivan Ram, adding depth to the political backdrop.
Ranaut’s meticulous transformation into Indira Gandhi, aided by prosthetics and detailed costuming, reflects her dedication to authenticity.

A Mixed Bag of Storytelling


While the film tackles significant historical milestones, its narrative occasionally struggles with coherence. The screenplay adopts a semi-documentary tone, which, while informative, detracts from emotional engagement. Critics have noted abrupt transitions and overly dramatized sequences that dilute the storytelling impact.

Dialogue is another strong point. Sharp and realistic exchanges enhance the believability of the characters, though some moments veer into theatrical territory.

Technical Mastery


The production design successfully recreates the aesthetics of the 1970s, from government offices to street protests. Cinematography captures the stark dichotomy of political power and grassroots movements. The background score by Sanchit and Ankit Balhara complements the film’s somber tone, though the original songs like Singhasan Khali Karo fail to resonate effectively within the narrative.

Criticism and Reception


Emergency has been met with polarized reviews. Supporters praise its ambition and Ranaut’s commitment to depicting a critical chapter of Indian history. However, detractors argue that the film leans heavily into docu drama territory, leaving little room for nuanced storytelling. Scenes intended to evoke pathos occasionally come across as unintentional satire, undermining the gravity of the subject.

Final Verdict


Emergency stands as an ambitious attempt to bring a controversial period of Indian history to the silver screen. While the film excels in performances, technical finesse, and historical detailing, its execution leaves room for improvement. It will likely appeal to audiences with an interest in Indian politics and history but may not satisfy those seeking a fully immersive cinematic experience.

Sources Consulted:

The Emergency: A Personal History by Coomi Kapoor.
Priyadarshini by Jaiyanth Vasanth Sinha.
Critical reviews from The Times of India and Hindustan Times.
Public reactions on social media platforms.

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