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‘Emergency’ Review: A Scattershot Take on a Tumultuous Era

Kangana Ranaut’s long-delayed and controversy-ridden directorial venture Emergency finally graces the screens. Marketed as a biographical drama on Indira Gandhi, the film’s lengthy disclaimer acknowledges its fictional liberties while curiously stating its respect for differing perspectives—a tone that reflects the uneven narrative that follows.

Ranaut portrays Indira Gandhi, oscillating between a decisive leader, a wavering mother influenced by Sanjay Gandhi, and a figure haunted by paranoia. Despite her physical transformation, including a prosthetic nose and signature saris, Ranaut’s portrayal suffers from exaggerated quirks, like an overly emphasized lip-pursing tic, which detracts from authenticity.

The film attempts to showcase Gandhi’s multifaceted life: her clashes with US President Nixon, her role in Bangladesh’s creation alongside Sam Manekshaw (played by Milind Soman), and her isolation from confidantes like Pupul Jayakar. However, the narrative flounders due to disjointed scenes and simplistic explanations of complex events.

Key historical moments, such as Indira’s declaration of the Emergency, her arrest, and her political resurrection, are rushed and underdeveloped. Even iconic episodes, like her elephant ride to Belchi that symbolized her political comeback, fail to capture her fearless persona.

The portrayal of supporting characters leans heavily on stereotypes. Sanjay Gandhi’s controversial role, Vajpayee’s brief spotlight as a future PM, and Jayaprakash Narayan’s sampoorn andolan feel glossed over. The use of tacky CGI and incongruous musical sequences, including a baffling parliamentary singalong, further undermines the gravity of the subject.

In an era brimming with revisionist historical films, Emergency promises a bold retelling but falters in execution. While Ranaut’s acting prowess is evident, the film’s uneven storytelling and lackluster craft leave it feeling more like a caricature than a nuanced exploration of a pivotal chapter in Indian history.

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