Emergency review: Love her or criticise her, Kangana Ranaut is undoubtedly a phenomenal actress. But even the best of talents can have off moments, and unfortunately, that's what happened with ‘Emergency’. As audiences sit through this film, they can't help but feel like they're living through the Emergency themselves - it's a grueling watch. The movie lacks any shocking revelations or innovative storytelling, instead rehashing familiar facts without any surprising twists. Unfortunately, Kangala falls short of expectations this time around. 


Emergency story 


‘Emergency’ chronicles the controversial period of India’s history under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s rule, detailing the declaration of Emergency, its aftermath, and the key players involved. The film attempts to encapsulate significant events like the political climate of the time, the role of Sanjay Gandhi, and Indira Gandhi’s assassination. While it aims to paint a comprehensive picture of the era, the execution falls short of leaving a lasting impact. 



What works and what doesn’t 


For those unfamiliar with the history of ‘Emergency’, the film could have served as an educational introduction. Unfortunately, it fails to deliver fresh insights or engaging storytelling for even a novice audience. The narrative often feels repetitive and predictable, with little to shock or awe. 


One of the major drawbacks is its overemphasis on Sanjay Gandhi’s character, making parts of the movie feel more like his story rather than a balanced portrayal of the historical events. Moreover, complex events are depicted in ways that might leave uninformed viewers confused, as some scenes lack sufficient context or depth. 


While books and documentaries on the Emergency have offered nuanced perspectives, ‘Emergency’ struggles to rise above the benchmarks already set, its presentation neither captures the gravity of the events nor offers a compelling cinematic experience. 


Performances 


Kangana Ranaut is widely acclaimed for her acting prowess, and in this film, she makes a valiant effort to embody Indira Gandhi. While she convincingly captures Indira's essence, her performance falls short of expectations. If, after watching Kangana's portrayal, you find yourself pondering who else has played Indira and who did it better, it's clear that the film leaves room for improvement. 


The supporting cast, however, delivers standout performances. Anupam Kher stands out as JP Narayan, delivering a measured and effective performance. Mahima Chaudhary is impressive as Pupul Jayakar. Although Shreyas Talpade as Atal Bihari Vajpayee doesn’t quite leave a mark, Vishak Nair as Sanjay Gandhi fares well, convincingly bringing the character to life. Satish Kaushik as Babu Jagjivan Ram is another highlight, delivering a standout performance. 


Direction 


Kangana Ranaut takes on a dual role, starring in and directing the film. Despite facing censorship hurdles and undergoing significant cuts, Kangana persevered to bring the movie to the big screen. Tackling a project of this nature is a daunting task, as it delves into a pivotal chapter of India's history. While Kangana deserves credit for her ambitious endeavour and for marshaling an impressive ensemble cast, her direction ultimately falls short of leaving a lasting impression. Unlike her acting, which often dazzles, her direction is merely satisfactory. 


Verdict 


If you know little to nothing about the ‘Emergency’, this film might be worth a watch for its basic overview of the events. However, for those seeking an in-depth exploration or a gripping cinematic experience, ‘Emergency’ is likely to disappoint. Kangana Ranaut, despite her immense talent, misses the mark both as a director and an actor in this ambitious but underwhelming attempt.