Kangana Ranaut's Emergency review: What worked and didn't for the film

Team OTTplay

Emergency review

Examining the narrative, performances, and execution of Kangana Ranaut's ambitious film Emergency, we delve deeper into its highs and lows.

Political saga with a twist

Emergency is a cinematic portrayal of Indira Gandhi during the tumultuous period of 1975. Directed by Kangana Ranaut, the film captures key historical events but stumbles in its storytelling.

Kangana Ranaut's impressive transformation

Kangana Ranaut deserves credit for capturing Indira Gandhi's mannerisms, from her twitching lips to frequent blinking, effectively bringing the political icon to life.

Standout supporting cast

Vishak Nair's portrayal of Sanjay Gandhi shines, encapsulating his brash demeanor. Shreyas Talpade as Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Mahima Chaudhry as Pupul Jayakar add depth to the narrative.

Impeccable visuals and set design

The production value of Emergency enhances the historical drama. The opening credits and recreated historical moments are visually stunning and authentic.

Overwhelming narrative pace

The film races through pivotal moments, reducing significant events to fleeting scenes. It feels more like a hurried history lecture than a gripping drama.

From drama to musical to thriller

The film struggles to maintain consistency, shifting abruptly from intense political drama to moments that feel like a Broadway musical and diminishing its impact.

Lack of emotional depth

While it tackles monumental events, Emergency fails to evoke the gravity of the era, offering a superficial treatment that leaves the audience wanting more.

Mixed bag

Despite Kangana Ranaut's dual efforts as director and lead actor, Emergency feels like a missed opportunity—a high-budget history reel that lacks cinematic substance.

Ambitious but flawed attempt

Kangana Ranaut's Emergency is a visually striking film with notable performances but falters in its storytelling, leaving audiences with a sense of what could have been.