✅ Emergency (2025) is a Hindi-language historical biographical drama film that immerses viewers in one of the most controversial periods in India’s post-independence history: the Emergency of 1975-1977. Directed by and starring Kangana Ranaut as former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the film attempts to offer a cinematic portrayal of the political turmoil, constitutional crisis, and social upheaval that defined those 21 months. Released theatrically in January 2025, it garnered mixed-to-negative reviews from critics and underperformed at the box office, despite its high production values and ambitious scope. The film delves into the events that led to the declaration of Emergency, its contentious implementation, and its profound impact on civil liberties and democracy, aiming to spark conversations about a pivotal moment that continues to shape India’s political discourse.

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5.2/10

Emergency

Director: Kangana Ranaut

Writer: Tanvi Kesari Pasumarthy, Kangana Ranaut, Ritesh Shah

Stars: Anupam Kher, Kangana Ranaut, Milind Soman

Plot: 1975. A chronicle of the incidents that took place under the leadership of Mrs. Indira Gandhi, one of the most powerful women in Indian history.

Countries: India

Languages: Hindi

IMDb: View on IMDb

Emergency (2025) – Movie Overview & Analysis-BollyFlix

Movie Details 

• Full Name: Emergency (2025)
• Language: Hindi
• Budget: ₹60 crore (approx. $7.2 million USD)
• Revenue: ₹21.75–22 crore (approx. $2.6 million USD) Worldwide Box Office
• Runtime: 146 Minutes (2 Hours 26 Minutes)
• Release Date: January 17, 2025 (India – Theatrical), March 17, 2025 (Netflix)
• Genres: Historical, Biographical, Drama
• Cast: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Mahima Chaudhry, Milind Soman, Vishak Nair, Satish Kaushik, Darshan Pandya, Bhumika Chawla
• Directors: Kangana Ranaut
• Screenplay: Ritesh Shah
• Story: Kangana Ranaut (Based on “The Emergency: A Personal History” by Coomi Kapoor & “Priyadarshini: The Daughter of India” by Jaiyanth Vasanth Sinha)
• Studios & Producers: Manikarnika Films, Zee Studios, Renu Pitti
• Voice Cast: Not Applicable
• Animation & Style: Not Applicable (Live Action)

OFFICIAL IMAGES

Plot Summary

“Emergency (2025)” is a compelling historical drama that delves into one of the most contentious periods in modern Indian history: the 21-month state of Emergency declared by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975. The narrative meticulously traces the events leading up to this declaration, beginning with Indira Gandhi’s political ascent and consolidation of power, her decisive leadership during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War, and the subsequent challenges to her authority. A pivotal moment explored is the 1975 Allahabad High Court verdict that invalidated her election, prompting her to declare a national Emergency citing threats to democracy. The film then portrays the draconian measures implemented during this period, including the suspension of civil liberties, censorship of the press, and the widespread arrest of opposition leaders. It highlights the controversial influence of her son, Sanjay Gandhi, and his ambitious, often coercive, programs like forced sterilizations and slum demolitions. The story also touches upon Indira Gandhi’s complex decision-making, her internal struggles, and the socio-political climate that led to the eventual lifting of the Emergency in 1977 and the subsequent elections, which initially resulted in her defeat. The latter part of the film covers her eventual political comeback, personal losses including Sanjay Gandhi’s death, and the rising unrest in Punjab, culminating in her assassination in 1984. The film aims to provide a comprehensive, albeit dramatized, account of this significant chapter, emphasizing the personal and political dimensions of power during a time of national crisis.

Cast & Crew

The cast of “Emergency” is spearheaded by Kangana Ranaut, who not only directs but also portrays the central and complex character of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Her performance is a significant highlight, aimed at capturing the gravitas and multifaceted personality of the historical figure. Supporting her is a strong ensemble of seasoned actors, including Anupam Kher as the influential political leader Jayaprakash Narayan, whose ideological clashes with Gandhi are central to the narrative. Shreyas Talpade steps into the shoes of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, bringing his unique blend of intensity and nuance to the role. Mahima Chaudhry portrays Pupul Jayakar, a close friend and biographer of Indira Gandhi, offering a more intimate perspective. Milind Soman embodies the formidable Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, while Vishak Nair takes on the controversial character of Sanjay Gandhi, essential to depicting the period’s political dynamics. Veteran actors like Satish Kaushik (in one of his final roles), Darshan Pandya, and Bhumika Chawla round out the cast, adding significant depth and credibility to the film’s extensive historical tapestry. The collective performances aim to bring to life the various political figures and common people affected by the Emergency, creating a comprehensive historical tableau.

Critical & Audience Response

Upon its theatrical release on January 17, 2025, “Emergency” received **mixed-to-negative reviews** from film critics. While Kangana Ranaut’s portrayal of Indira Gandhi and the film’s ambitious attempt to tackle a significant historical event were often noted, criticisms largely focused on the **narrative’s perceived lack of fluidity, selective historical interpretation, and pacing issues**. Some critics found the film to be more of a “selective recreation of archival material” rather than a compelling, nuanced take on the period. The film was also a **box-office flop**, earning approximately ₹21.75-22 crore worldwide against a budget of ₹60 crore. Despite its theatrical underperformance, the film reportedly fetched a substantial sum for its digital rights, streaming on Netflix from March 17, 2025. Audience reception has been varied, with some appreciating the effort to revisit a crucial chapter in Indian history and Ranaut’s central performance, while others echoed critics’ sentiments regarding its biased perspective and disjointed storytelling.

Direction & Cinematography

Kangana Ranaut’s direction in “Emergency” is an ambitious undertaking, as she helms a large-scale historical drama while also portraying the lead role. Her directorial vision aims to present a comprehensive account of the Emergency period, focusing on Indira Gandhi’s perspective and the political machinations surrounding her. The direction attempts to maintain a serious, almost somber, tone befitting the historical gravity of the subject. However, critical feedback indicated that while the intent was clear, the execution sometimes suffered from **uneven storytelling and a tendency to rush through complex events**, potentially due to the expansive scope. The cinematography by **Tetsuo Nagata** is expected to be a strong aspect of the film, providing a grand and authentic visual backdrop to the historical narrative. Nagata, known for his work on visually rich films, likely employed a deliberate visual style, using period-appropriate aesthetics, grand sets, and thoughtful lighting to recreate the era. The visuals are crucial in transporting the audience back to the 1970s, from the political corridors to the streets, aiming to capture the tension and scale of the events. Despite the narrative challenges, the visual storytelling is expected to be meticulously crafted, contributing significantly to the film’s historical immersion.

Music & Background Score

The musical landscape of “Emergency” is rich and layered, featuring songs composed by G. V. Prakash Kumar and Arko, with the compelling background score crafted by the renowned duo Sanchit Balhara and Ankit Balhara. The songs are expected to serve as poignant reflections of the film’s themes, providing emotional depth to the narrative. G. V. Prakash Kumar, known for his versatility, likely contributes tracks that resonate with the dramatic and historical gravitas, while Arko’s compositions often carry a soulful and introspective quality. The lyrics, penned by Manoj Muntashir, further aim to amplify the film’s message and character emotions. However, it is the background score by Sanchit and Ankit Balhara that is particularly crucial for a historical drama of this magnitude. Their score is anticipated to be a powerful, atmospheric presence, building tension, signifying political shifts, and underscoring the personal turmoil faced by the characters, especially Indira Gandhi. Their expertise in creating grand, evocative scores for historical films suggests a symphonic approach that seamlessly integrates with the film’s visuals, elevating the narrative’s intensity and emotional impact without overpowering the dialogues.

Visuals & Special Effects

As a historical biographical drama set in the 1970s, “Emergency” prioritizes **authentic period visuals and meticulous production design** over extensive CGI-driven special effects. The film’s visual strength lies in its ability to recreate the look and feel of the era, from the political offices and residential spaces to the broader urban and rural landscapes of India during the Emergency. This involves **detailed set decoration, accurate costumes, and props** that transport the audience back in time. Any special effects employed would be subtle and functional, used to enhance the realism of historical events, such as crowd scenes, protests, or specific political rallies, rather than for fantastical elements. The film relies heavily on **realistic lighting, framing, and compositions** to convey the gravity and tension of the period. The aim is to create an immersive environment that grounds the historical narrative in a believable visual context, allowing the performances and screenplay to take center stage without distraction from overt visual theatrics. The visual fidelity to the era is key to the film’s claim as a biographical account.

Editing & Screenplay

The editing of “Emergency” by Rameshwar S. Bhagat faces the significant challenge of condensing a complex and controversial period of history into a cohesive cinematic narrative. The editing needs to balance the historical facts, political events, and personal journeys of the characters, ensuring a coherent flow across 146 minutes. Critical reviews suggest that while efforts were made, the pacing sometimes felt uneven, and certain historical details might have been rushed or omitted, contributing to a “touch-and-go” feeling for those not well-versed in the period. The screenplay, penned by Ritesh Shah based on a story by Kangana Ranaut, is the narrative backbone of the film. It attempts to weave together various political incidents, personal dilemmas of Indira Gandhi, and the broader impact of the Emergency. While the screenplay effectively sets up the premise and some dramatic confrontations, critics noted that it sometimes struggled with narrative fluidity and depth, particularly in providing sufficient context for non-specialist audiences. The script’s portrayal of historical figures and events also drew scrutiny for its perceived bias, leaning towards a specific interpretation of Indira Gandhi’s actions. The success of the film ultimately hinges on the screenplay’s ability to engage and inform while presenting a multifaceted historical perspective, which proved to be a challenging feat.

Positives / What Works

“Emergency” features a **compelling central performance by Kangana Ranaut** as Indira Gandhi, with critics often praising her dedication to embodying the historical figure, especially her transformation through prosthetics and makeup. The film’s **ambitious scope** in tackling a significant and controversial chapter of Indian history is commendable, providing a platform for discussion. The **strong supporting cast**, including veteran actors like Anupam Kher and Shreyas Talpade, adds significant weight and gravitas to the narrative. The **meticulous production design and period recreation** transport the audience effectively to the 1970s, offering an authentic visual experience. The **background score by Sanchit and Ankit Balhara** is expected to be a major asset, powerfully enhancing the film’s dramatic tension and emotional depth, aligning well with the historical context.

Negatives / What Doesn’t Work

Despite its ambitions, “Emergency” faced several criticisms. The most prominent negative aspect was its **uneven screenplay and narrative fluidity**, which often felt like a collection of incidents rather than a seamless story. Critics also pointed to a **lack of sufficient historical context**, making it challenging for viewers unfamiliar with the period to fully grasp the complexities of events. The film was perceived by many as having a **biased political perspective**, selectively portraying historical facts to support a particular viewpoint, which undermined its credibility as an objective historical drama. Furthermore, its **slow pacing in certain segments** and the attempt to cram too many events into its runtime sometimes resulted in a “touch-and-go” feel, preventing deeper exploration of critical moments. This led to a **lukewarm critical reception and a disappointing box office performance**, indicating that the film struggled to resonate broadly with audiences despite its impactful subject matter.

Final Verdict / Conclusion

“Emergency” stands as a bold, albeit flawed, attempt to revisit a pivotal and contentious period in Indian history. While Kangana Ranaut’s dedication to her role and the film’s ambitious historical recreation are commendable, the movie ultimately struggles with an inconsistent narrative and a perceived lack of objectivity. It serves as a significant cinematic effort to shed light on the Emergency, prompting discussion and reflection on past events. However, its theatrical underperformance and mixed critical reception suggest that it did not fully succeed in its grand vision. Despite its shortcomings, for those interested in Indian political history and Ranaut’s acting, it offers a particular perspective on an ’emergency’ that continues to fuel debate. Its subsequent streaming release provides an opportunity for a wider audience to engage with its interpretation of this crucial historical chapter.

Movie Rating

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