⭐ Rating: 3/5

Kangana Ranaut takes center stage in Emergency, portraying the late Indira Gandhi in a political drama that captures a pivotal chapter in India’s history. While her powerful performance is the backbone of the film, uneven execution and overindulgent storytelling prevent it from reaching its full potential.

The Story and Execution

Emergency dives into the events leading to the imposition of Emergency in 1975, a period that altered India’s political landscape. The narrative attempts to balance historical accuracy with drama, supported by a stellar cast including the late Satish Kaushik, Shreyas Talpade, and Anupam Kher.

However, the first half struggles with pacing and unintentional humor. Heavy-handed symbolism, like frequent visual metaphors involving lions, distracts rather than enhances the storytelling. It takes until the second half for the film to find its footing, with Kangana’s emotional depth and conviction breathing life into the narrative.

Performance Highlights

Kangana Ranaut is the heart of this film. Despite initial doubts raised by her prosthetic nose and exaggerated mannerisms, she owns the role with scenes that showcase her emotional and dramatic range. Her portrayal of Indira Gandhi is bold, complex, and empathetic, especially in moments of personal loss and political turmoil.

Among the supporting cast, Anupam Kher delivers a restrained performance, while the late Satish Kaushik shines even in his limited screen time.

Music and Visuals

The film’s soundtrack is a mixed bag. While Hariharan’s Ae Meri Jaan is soulful and well-placed, other musical sequences featuring iconic personalities feel out of sync with the tone of the film. Visually, the cinematography captures the gravity of the era, but some creative choices—like mirror reflections to depict guilt—feel unnecessary.

Strengths and Weaknesses

What Works:

• Kangana Ranaut’s powerful performance
• Strong emotional scenes in the second half
• A balanced portrayal of Indira Gandhi’s controversial legacy

What Doesn’t:

• Slow and uneven pacing in the first half
• Overuse of symbolism and metaphors
• Musical sequences that disrupt the narrative flow

Final Verdict

Emergency is far from perfect, but Kangana Ranaut’s magnetic performance makes it a watchable political drama. While it stumbles in execution and subtlety, the film redeems itself with moments of emotional intensity and a bold depiction of one of India’s most polarizing leaders.

Rating: 3/5
Watch it for Kangana’s portrayal and a glimpse into a tumultuous chapter of India’s history—but be prepared for a few missteps along the way.