Kangana Ranaut’s much-anticipated film Emergency was finally released in theaters on January 17, 2025, after several delays. The film, which is a biographical drama about former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the controversial Emergency period of 1975-77, has sparked a lot of conversation on social media. Fans have shared mixed reactions, with many praising the film’s direction, acting, and historical accuracy, while others have pointed out areas where the film could have been better.
Fans Applaud Kangana Ranaut’s Direction and Acting
Many viewers have taken to Twitter (now known as X) to express their admiration for Kangana’s work on Emergency. One fan described it as a “masterpiece” and praised Kangana for her brilliant direction and impactful acting. The fan also noted that she looked strikingly similar to Indira Gandhi, adding to the film’s authenticity.
Another user shared their amazement with the film, saying, “Kangana’s direction is monstrous and her acting is beast-level!” This tweet highlighted how the viewers felt like they were witnessing the real Indira Gandhi, with Kangana’s portrayal being incredibly convincing.
One more tweet emphasized Kangana’s transformation into Indira Gandhi, with the fan stating that Kangana didn’t just play the role but became the character. They also applauded the film for not sugarcoating the harsh realities of the Emergency period, making certain scenes quite uncomfortable, as they should be. Vishak Nair, who played Sanjay Gandhi, also received praise for his strong performance.
A fan shared their excitement, calling the film “OUTSTANDING” and predicted that Kangana would likely win another National Award for her work. This person also described Emergency as a must-watch film, noting that it was both thrilling and intense.
Others agreed that Emergency offered a gripping historical lesson while also being an engaging political thriller. They praised Kangana’s direction, stating that the film effectively captured the ruthless nature of political power and kept the audience hooked throughout with its intense screenplay.
Mixed Opinions from Some Viewers
Not everyone was fully impressed, however. A few users on X rated the film lower, with one giving it a score of 2.5/5. They mentioned that while the film had its merits, it catered more to classic cinema fans than to those looking for mass entertainment. They acknowledged Kangana’s strong performance but felt the overall film was average.
Another critique was more detailed, focusing on the film’s direction. While the critic appreciated Kangana’s effort in her acting, they felt that as a director, the film did not meet expectations. They pointed out that several important scenes were cut short or turned into musical numbers, which diluted the impact of the narrative. They also felt that the rest of the cast, the cinematography, and the music were not up to the mark. Despite some disturbing and historically accurate scenes, the reviewer found the film to be somewhat propagandistic, lacking the depth needed for a truly compelling cinematic experience.
Emergency
Emergency is directed and co-produced by Kangana Ranaut, who also stars as Indira Gandhi. The film’s screenplay was written by Ritesh Shah, and the story is based on Kangana’s vision. Along with Kangana, the film features Anupam Kher as Jayaprakash Narayan, Shreyas Talpade as Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Vishak Nair as Sanjay Gandhi. Other notable actors include Mahima Chaudhry, Milind Soman, and Ashok Chhabra. The film explores one of the darkest chapters in India’s history, offering a mix of political drama and historical insight.
Emergency has received strong praise for Kangana Ranaut’s direction and performance but has also faced some criticism for its narrative style and pacing. It remains a thought-provoking film that has sparked plenty of discussion across social media.
