Kangana Ranaut Triumphs with Emergency: A Bold, Unforgettable Performance That Commands Attention

Directed by: Kangana Ranaut

Cast: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, Mahima Chaudhry, Milind Soman, Satish Kaushik
Duration: 2h 28m
Rating: 4/5

Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency isn’t just a film—it’s a masterclass in political drama, where history collides with intense personal stakes. The Emergency period of 1975-77, when Indira Gandhi declared a national state of emergency, is presented with a level of intensity that feels like it could jump off the screen and slap you. And who better to take on this high-stakes story than Kangana herself, in the double role of director and star? This isn’t your average history lesson. It’s a cinematic showdown where power, politics, and the cost of ambition are at the heart of the story, all served with a side of ruthless reality. If you thought the Emergency was just a political event, Emergency is here to show you how personal it really was.

Kangana’s portrayal of Indira Gandhi is the beating heart of the film. She doesn’t just play a political figure; she inhabits her. You’re not just watching a historical drama—you’re experiencing the inner turmoil, the ruthless decisions, and the sheer audacity of a woman who controlled the fate of an entire nation. Kangana’s Gandhi is no saint, no villain—she’s a fully realized, complex woman whose every choice comes with a personal cost. From political maneuvering to family struggles, her portrayal captures the grit, the grace, and the occasional desperation that defined the Prime Minister’s controversial rule.

The movie doesn’t shy away from the dirty underbelly of politics—particularly the rocky relationship between Gandhi and her son, Sanjay (Vishak Nair). Their volatile dynamic, set against the backdrop of the Emergency, provides some of the film’s most powerful emotional moments. Nair brings depth to Sanjay, making him both ambitious and tragic, a young man trying to change the world with sweeping (and often dangerous) policies. This conflict between mother and son forms the emotional core of the film, giving us a story that’s as much about family as it is about governance.

Of course, Emergency isn’t just about one family’s drama—it’s about the larger political landscape of the 1970s. Anupam Kher shines as Jayaprakash Narayan, the opposition leader, offering a voice of reason and resistance against Gandhi’s increasingly authoritarian rule. Milind Soman’s portrayal of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw adds a grounded, military perspective to the proceedings, while Satish Kaushik’s Jagjivan Ram brings a much-needed dose of dignity to the storm of politics.

What truly elevates Emergency is Kangana’s direction. She doesn’t just recount events—she makes them feel alive. The pacing is deliberate, yet never dull, and the tension builds to a crescendo that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Visually, the film nails the 1970s vibe with its period-accurate set design and costumes, making the era feel both authentic and immersive. The lighting, particularly during intense moments, ratchets up the drama and mirrors the high-stakes political atmosphere of the time.

Vishak Nair’s performance as Sanjay Gandhi deserves special mention. He takes what could be a one-dimensional character and turns him into someone you both understand and, at times, sympathize with. The same can be said for the rest of the ensemble, each actor adding nuance to their roles. Anupam Kher’s Jayaprakash Narayan provides moral clarity, while Mahima Chaudhry’s Pupul Jayakar offers a much-needed emotional anchor.

The music in Emergency isn’t just background noise—it’s a character in its own right. With tracks like Singhasan Khali Karo and Sarkar Ko Salaam Hai, the soundtrack pulsates with political energy, elevating the stakes of each scene. The score helps underline the tension, creating an atmosphere that’s as thick as the political drama on screen.

In conclusion, Emergency is an explosive, thought-provoking film that doesn’t hold back in its portrayal of power and its consequences. Kangana Ranaut delivers a performance that’s nothing short of a revelation, and as a director, she shows she’s more than capable of handling complex material with finesse. The film is sharp, smart, and unflinchingly honest—making it not just a historical drama but a bold commentary on the nature of power itself. Emergency is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good political thriller and isn’t afraid to have their assumptions about leadership and authority shaken to the core.

In short - Kangana’s Emergency isn’t just a film—it’s a full-on political rollercoaster. Buckle up.