Kangana Ranaut’s much-delayed film Emergency, written and directed by her, has finally been released, but it fails to live up to expectations. The film’s disclaimer states that it draws inspiration from the life and events of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, but it quickly follows up with a vague nod to “creative liberties,” giving the filmmakers room to explore multiple interpretations.
Ranaut plays the role of Indira Gandhi, but the portrayal is inconsistent. At times, she’s shown as a strong, autocratic leader who stood up to the West, including US President Richard Nixon. At other points, she’s a frail, indecisive mother under the influence of her son Sanjay Gandhi. This confusion undermines the depth of Indira Gandhi’s complex personality and political career.
Ranaut’s performance, while attempting to capture the essence of Gandhi, falls short. Her exaggerated voice and pursed lips come off as more of a tic than a true portrayal of the iconic leader. The film’s structure adds to the confusion, with scenes feeling disjointed and lacking depth. It seems more focused on explaining events rather than depicting them with nuance.
The film’s narrative takes several liberties with historical facts. Nehru is shown as a weak and insecure leader, while Gandhi’s family members, including her aunt and her son Sanjay, are depicted in a negative light. Other political figures, such as Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Jayaprakash Narayan, and George Fernandes, receive minimal attention, and Rajiv Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and Menaka Gandhi are mere side characters.
The title Emergency suggests the film would provide an in-depth look at one of the most critical periods in India’s history, but it offers little more than a rushed portrayal of events leading up to and following the Emergency. Important moments, like Gandhi’s trial and her political comeback, are glossed over.
Despite Ranaut’s undeniable resemblance to Indira Gandhi, the film fails to deliver a compelling narrative. The use of tacky computer graphics and an awkward song sequence involving political figures only adds to the film’s missteps.
In the era of revisionist films, Emergency could have been a significant piece of cinema, but it ultimately feels like a missed opportunity. For a more effective portrayal of historical events, one might look to films like Randeep Hooda’s Veer Savarkar, which fares better in terms of both storytelling and performance.
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