Emergency Review: Kangana Ranaut's Explosive Political Drama

Emergency is a historical political drama directed by Kangana Ranaut, who also plays the lead role of the former prime minister Indira Gandhi. Read our Emergency Review here (Movie Talkies).

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Emergency Review

Emergency Review

RATING - ⭐⭐⭐✨ 3.5/5*

Emergence Review Movie Talkies:  

Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared Emergency in June 1975 and wrote the darkest page in the book of India's glorious history. Many aren't aware of the political turmoil and mentality behind that decision, and to understand it, Kangana Ranaut's Emergency will help you in a big way.

Emergency

Kangana's Emergency isn't just about that dark period but also about what happened before and after. We don't want to remember that time (just like the Lockdown), but it's necessary to have at least some basic knowledge. This movie may serve as a substantial aid. Ranaut presents historical events with hard-hitting narratives and intense graphics that may leave you disturbed for a while.

Emergency

The film begins with Indira (Kangana Ranaut), also known as Priyadarshini, in her childhood and quickly delves into her political journey. Nehru's reign, his death, Shastri's oath ceremony and subsequent death, and then Indira's oath ceremony as the new Prime Minister of India are all wrapped up within minutes in the beginning, before turning its attention to the 1971 war, foreign meetings, and before we realize the Emergency is declared, the intermission arrives. 

Emergency

Simultaneously, other important characters like Manekshaw, Sodhi, Bajpayee, Narayan, Sanjay Gandhi, and others get involved in the storyline, adding extra layers. The narrative revolves around Indira's character but does not remain stagnant. It covers many other elements as well, such as Indira's rise, ego, mistakes, downfall, and then her 2.0 version.

Emergency

The film also does not forget to showcase all the significant historical events like the Shimla Treaty, Indo-China war, India-Soviet convention, Bangladesh's formation, Assam's partition, Pokhran test, Operation Blue Star, Nasbandi, etc.

Emergency

The first scene of Kangana Ranaut, and yes, you are in for a treat. Her voice modulation does seem a bit childish at the beginning, but that was intentional. You get to see why many political leaders made fun her "voice." Her eyelids, glasses, and eyes peering through the lenses, along with her desperate attempts to rediscover Indira's imitation, are notable.

Emergency

The film does not feature any other powerful performers, perhaps due to limited screen time, but there are decent to good performances from Shreyas Talpade, Anupam Kher, Satish Kaushik, Mahima Chaudhary, Milind Soman, and others.

Emergency

On the technical front, Emergency feels a bit loose but not lost. The cinematography and production design are ordinary, further hindered by the subpar editing and background score. The film isn't strong with music either, but that was expected for a political drama. Yet, Ranaut's direction and her grip on storytelling are enough to keep you on the edge of your seat for about 140 minutes.

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She could have omitted a few scenes with the help of the editor, but that’s fine. She did a commendable job as both an actor and a director, which is more than enough to recommend watching Emergency in theaters. Besides, it's a part of our history, and as an Indian, one needs to confront this darkest phase of democracy too. "Murder of a democracy!" How, why, and where. Find your answers in the film.

Emergency Kangana Ranaut Anupam Kher Satish Kaushik Mahima Chaudhry Shreyas Talpade