Directed by: Kangana Ranaut 
Cast: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, Mahima Chaudhry, Milind Soman and Satish Kaushik 
Duration: 2h 28m 
 
Emergency, directed by Kangana Ranaut, is a monumental biographical drama that takes on one of the most controversial periods in Indian history—the Emergency period of 1975-1977. At a time when Indian democracy was suspended, civil liberties were curtailed, and political power was concentrated in the hands of the ruling establishment, Emergency doesn’t just recount events; it delves deep into the human and political struggles that defined this turbulent era. With a standout performance from Kangana herself as Indira Gandhi, the film is a compelling exploration of power, politics, and personal sacrifice.
 
The film's heart is in its character-driven approach, which focuses on Indira Gandhi’s tenure as Prime Minister during the imposition of the Emergency. This period saw widespread censorship, forced sterilization, and political repression, leading to a polarizing legacy for Gandhi. However, Emergency avoids the trap of simplifying the narrative into either an outright condemnation or glorification. Instead, it presents a nuanced portrait of Gandhi as a leader caught between ambition, national interest, and personal sacrifices.
 
Kangana Ranaut, as both director and lead, successfully brings this complexity to life. Her direction remains sharp and confident, weaving together historical events like the Bangladesh Liberation War and Operation Blue Star, while centering the emotional core around the tense relationship between Indira and her son, Sanjay Gandhi (played by Vishak Nair). The film captures key moments in history but doesn't shy away from showing the internal conflicts that often blurred the lines between public duty and personal power.
 
In Emergency, Kangana provides the space for political drama while maintaining a human element that resonates emotionally. There is a genuine effort to show the toll power takes on the individual—something especially important when telling a story about a leader whose decisions impacted millions.
 
Kangana Ranaut’s Performance: Kangana’s portrayal of Indira Gandhi is a masterclass in performance. She embodies Gandhi’s authoritative and unyielding persona, as well as her emotional fragility. This duality makes her portrayal magnetic; she doesn’t merely imitate a political figure, but rather inhabits her, with all her contradictions. Kangana succeeds in humanizing Gandhi, showing not only the iron-willed leader but the mother, the daughter, and the woman who had to make unimaginable choices in a time of national crisis.
 
The ensemble cast of Emergency adds significant depth to the story, especially Vishak Nair, who plays Sanjay Gandhi. Nair portrays the youthful, controversial figure with both energy and sensitivity, making his character tragically relatable. His personal and political flaws are depicted with empathy, highlighting the tragic impact of his impulsive decisions on the nation and his family.
 
Anupam Kher, as Jayaprakash Narayan, embodies the spirit of resistance and democracy, giving the film a voice of moral opposition. Kher’s performance is dignified and powerful, reminding viewers of the enduring fight for freedom even in the face of political oppression.
 
Shreyas Talpade as Atal Bihari Vajpayee also delivers a notable performance, capturing the statesman's compassionate yet dignified nature. Milind Soman as Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw and the late Satish Kaushik as Jagjivan Ram bring further authenticity to the film's depiction of the political and military landscape. Each actor contributes a unique layer to the narrative, building a multifaceted portrayal of Indian leadership during the Emergency.
 
The cinematography in Emergency stands out as one of the film’s major strengths. The 1970s setting is brought to life with meticulous attention to detail, from the political rallies to the quiet moments of tension in government offices. Shamdat's cinematography uses lighting to underline the drama, intensifying the sense of danger and uncertainty in many of the key scenes. The visual storytelling perfectly complements the film’s tone, balancing personal struggles with grand political moments.
 
The film’s music elevates the overall atmosphere, with tracks like Singhasan Khali Karo and Sarkar Ko Salaam Hai offering not just musical interludes but also reinforcing the political subtext. The background score amplifies the dramatic moments, emphasizing the volatility and intensity of the period. The soundtrack is seamlessly integrated into the narrative, further anchoring the viewer in the emotional core of the story.
 
Emergency stands as a rare gem in a time when the film industry seems obsessed with action-packed spectacles and gory content. This is a movie that doesn’t rely on excessive violence or flashy effects to tell its story. Instead, it offers a deeply layered narrative about India’s political past, showing us how history should be told: honestly, with respect, and through compelling storytelling.
 
Kangana Ranaut has crafted a film that can—and should—be watched by families. It offers a window into a pivotal moment in India's history, making the complexities of politics and governance accessible to a wide audience. More importantly, Emergency never simplifies the past; it treats it with the seriousness it deserves, all while allowing for emotional depth and resonance.
 
In a cinematic landscape dominated by mindless action and spectacle, Emergency provides something rare: a thought-provoking, historical drama that educates as it entertains. With powerful performances, particularly from Kangana herself, and a finely tuned narrative, this film is a must-watch for those interested in both Indian history and the art of great filmmaking.