‘Emergency’ Movie Review: Kangana’s film highlights the human aspect of Indira Gandhi more than the Emergency.

After being in the headlines and controversies for a long time, Kangana Ranaut’s ‘Emergency’ has finally been released. There were speculations about the film for a long time that it would be a film with an agenda and would glorify a particular ideology, but when you watch the film, this apprehension proves to be baseless. However, a strong leader like Indira Gandhi does not even have that outspoken style for which she has been famous. Written, directed and starring Kangana Ranaut, this film depicts the historic and controversial decisions taken during the lifetime of the country’s former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, which proved to be decisive not only for India but also for Indira’s life.

Story of ‘Emergency’

The story begins with 12-year-old Indu (child Indira) receiving her first lessons about power and being a ruler from her grandfather, while Indira’s mother, who suffers from TB, is being neglected. After this, the story takes forward the personal and political journey of Indira, where the country got independence, father Pandit Jawaharlal becoming the Prime Minister, India-China war in 1962 and Assam crisis, Shimla Accord, India-Pakistan war of 1971, Bangladesh in 1971. India’s becoming an independent nation, Indira’s rule, the Emergency from 1975 to 1977, the era of sterilization, Operation Blue Star and finally its last Brutal murder of Indira on her way to a rally.

Throughout this journey, the film follows Indira Gandhi along with veteran opposition Janata Party leader Jayaprakash Narayan (Anupam Kher), Atal Bihari Vajpayee (Shreyas Talpade), Jagjivan Ram (Satish Kaushik), her close friend Pupul Jayakar (Mahima Choudhary), her son Sanjay Gandhi (Vishak). Nair), also explores her relationship with her husband Firoz Gandhi (Adhir Bhatt). The story also shows Indira’s conflict with her inner demon.

Everyone knows that on August 15, 1975, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman of neighboring country Bangladesh was overthrown by killing his/her entire family. So, was it the same massacre that inspired Indira to impose emergency for the safety of her family or did she take this decision in retaliation for her ouster? Did Indira Gandhi or her son Sanjay Gandhi have a hand in implementing the dark chapter of Emergency and sterilization decisions? To know about many such controversial decisions, you will have to watch ‘Emergency’.

Trailer of ‘Emergency’

‘Emergency’ Movie Review

There is no doubt that making a film on a powerful political personality like Indira Gandhi was a difficult task, but as a writer-director, Kangana took this audacity. he/she has laid more emphasis on the human aspect of Indira Gandhi. In contrast to Indira’s dominating, leadership and outspoken image, it emphasizes the psychological and emotional complexities of the late Prime Minister.

Since the name of the film is ‘Emergency’, the audience goes with the expectation that the entire film will be based on that dark chapter, but Emergency is only a small part of the film. The rest of the film is based on Indira’s personal and political career, which may upset people. Although as a writer-director, Kangana has portrayed the country’s renowned and polarizing personalities boldly, but some scenes definitely seem over the top.

In an attempt to cover the entire life span of the former Prime Minister in the film, the story seems interrupted at some places. The second half of the film is strong. But filming a patriotic song on powerful leaders including Indira seems strange. The scenes of the war of 1971 have been filmed powerfully. The scene of Indira’s confrontation with American President Richard Nixon has also become famous.

Talking about music, songs like ‘Singhasan Khali Karo’ and ‘Ae Meri Jaan’ have become good. Tetsuo Nagata’s cinematography depicts the period scenes with carefully designed detail.

Kangana doesn’t prove to be a genius anywhere in the matter of acting. Be it her prosthetic makeup or body language as Indira, Kangana has done a brilliant job. After the interval, not only the film but also his/her character proves to be multidimensional.

Anupam Kher has proved to be effective as Jayaprakash Narayan. Shreyas Talpade has proved himself admirable in the role of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Milind Soman has not got much screen space in the role of Field Marshal Manek Shaw. Mahima Chaudhary in the role of Pupul Jayakar and Vishak Nair in the role of Sanjay Gandhi have left a mark. The character of Jagjivan Ram has been played brilliantly by Satish Kaushik. The supporting cast is decent.

Why watch- Those interested in political topics and fans of Kangana Ranaut can watch this film.