PremiumEmergency cast revealed: From Kangana Ranaut to Anupam Kher, here's who plays whom in the political biopic
From Indira Gandhi to Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Emergency brings history to life with compelling portrayals of iconic political figures.
Last Updated: 09.11 AM, Jan 16, 2025
On January 17, 2025, the film Emergency, which Kangana Ranaut directed, will be released. The biographical film examines the 21 months that passed between 1975 and 1977, when India imposed a state of emergency.
In anticipation of the film's long-awaited theatrical debut, we present the following cast and crew roster for the upcoming thriller Emergency:
Kangana Ranaut as Indira Gandhi:
Indira Gandhi, the film's protagonist, served as prime minister of India from 1975 to 1977, a period known as the Emergency. During this contentious period, the government suspended civil freedoms, censored the press, and widely arrested political figures. In this crucial part, Kangana Ranaut—who is also the film's director—captures the nuance and authority of one of India's most famous and divisive leaders.
Anupam Kher as Jayaprakash Narayan:
He was a prominent opposition figure, vocally opposing the Emergency. His famous call for a "Total Revolution" inspired many to rise up in opposition to totalitarian governments. Anupam Kher brings the renowned socialist leader's conviction and wisdom to life.
Shreyas Talpade as Atal Bihari Vajpayee:
During the Emergency, he emerged as a prominent figure in the Indian political opposition. He would go on to become one of the country's most popular prime ministers. In the midst of chaos, Shreyas Talpade personifies Vajpayee's charm and strength.
Mahima Chaudhry as Pupul Jayakar:
As Indira Gandhi's biographer and close friend, Pupul Jayakar provides a firsthand account of the prime minister's struggles, both personally and professionally. In the midst of political upheaval, Mahima Chaudhry plays this complex character as she manages her bond with Gandhi.
Milind Soman as Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw:
The Chief of the Army Staff during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. He had a respectful but tense relationship with the political leadership. As one of India's most revered military chiefs, Milind Soman exudes an air of poise and respect in this role.
Satish Kaushik as Jagjivan Ram:
Jagjivan Ram was an important figure in the political scene of the country at the time, having served as a senior politician and the deputy prime minister. Satish Kaushik portrays this powerful Dalit leader with gravitas and statesmanship.
Emergency delves deeply into a contentious and controversial period in Indian political history, going beyond a mere biographical film. In an effort to illuminate the era's decisions, alliances, and betrayals, the film skilfully interweaves the personal with the political. These individuals portray the intricate dynamics of ambition, defiance, and power.
Zee Studios and Manikarnika Films are the producers of the film. Sanchit Balhara and Ankit Balhara wrote the score; Arko and G. V. Prakash Kumar wrote the script, and Ritesh Shah wrote the screenplay. The dramatic depiction of this important moment in Indian history is the goal of the film's plot, which centres on the social and political turmoil that occurred during the Emergency Period.
Problems with the CBFC and controversy around the film's depiction of historical events are among the reasons for Emergency's numerous postponements. Censorship issues forced the postponement of the film's original September 6, 2024, release date. The makers are releasing it on January 17, 2025, following approval from the CBFC.