‘Emergency’ Review: Kangana Ranaut’s Technically Sound and Emotionally Layered Biopic
Dive into Kangana Ranaut’s ‘Emergency’, a compelling biopic that blends personal struggles with political drama, offering a nuanced portrayal of Indira Gandhi during India’s most controversial era.
‘Emergency’ Review: Kangana Ranaut’s Technically Sound and Emotionally Layered Biopic
Kangana Ranaut’s ‘Emergency’ delivers a bold and thought-provoking portrayal of Indira Gandhi, steering clear of the overused cradle-to-grave biopic formula. Instead, it takes a character-driven approach, exploring the human side of one of India’s most controversial leaders.
Like any biopic, ‘Emergency’ is an interpretation shaped by the filmmaker’s perspective. It doesn’t claim absolute historical accuracy but focuses on bringing to life the emotional and psychological nuances of Indira Gandhi during her tenure as Prime Minister. The narrative weaves through key events such as the Indo-Pakistani War, the imposition of the Emergency, press censorship, and the fallout of Gandhi’s political decisions. While it highlights these significant moments, the film opts to place Gandhi’s personal struggles at the forefront, creating an engaging blend of history and human drama.
A Vulnerable yet Resilient Indira Gandhi
Kangana’s performance as Indira Gandhi captures the dichotomy of vulnerability and resilience. From moments of self-doubt to fierce determination, the portrayal makes you reflect on the immense pressure she must have endured. However, there are instances where the performance borders on exaggerated, such as when she confronts Richard Nixon, veering into melodrama reminiscent of a South Indian masala film. Despite these occasional lapses, Kangana manages to convey the complexities of Gandhi’s character, balancing guilt, ambition, and a need for validation.
The film doesn’t shy away from showcasing Gandhi’s flaws, including her strained relationships with her father, husband, and son. These relationships become a recurring theme, painting a picture of a woman seeking approval and love, yet constantly falling short in her personal life. Her bond with Sanjay Gandhi (Vishak Nair) offers some insight into her emotional motivations, though the film could have explored this dynamic in greater depth.
Strengths and Shortcomings
On a technical level, ‘Emergency’ excels. The cinematography by Tetsuo Nagata is visually rich, lending the film an epic scope that elevates its narrative. The pacing is brisk, keeping the audience engaged despite its two-hour-plus runtime. However, the film falters when it comes to balancing its focus. While it captures Indira Gandhi’s inner world, it doesn’t delve deeply enough into the larger societal impact of her decisions during the Emergency.
Moments of melodrama occasionally disrupt the film’s tone, such as patriotic song sequences featuring political figures like Atal Bihari Vajpayee (Shreyas Talpade) and Jayaprakash Narayan (Anupam Kher). These Bollywood-style interludes feel out of place in an otherwise grounded narrative. Similarly, the suffering of ordinary citizens during the Emergency is addressed but remains on the periphery, making the film feel incomplete in its exploration of this dark chapter in Indian history.
A Bold and Nuanced Interpretation
Despite its flaws, ‘Emergency’ stands out as a courageous attempt to present a layered interpretation of Indira Gandhi. The film neither glorifies nor vilifies her, instead portraying her as a complex figure navigating the pressures of leadership and personal challenges. For those expecting a critical lens on the political excesses of the Emergency, the film delivers. For those seeking a humanized portrayal of Gandhi, it offers that as well.
In the end, ‘Emergency’ is a testament to Kangana Ranaut’s ambition as both an actor and a filmmaker. While it doesn’t break new ground in the biopic genre, it succeeds in presenting a compelling portrait of a leader whose legacy continues to provoke debate. It’s a technically polished, emotionally charged film that invites audiences to reflect on the price of power and the weight of history.
Check out more on News. Stay connected with us across all our social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), Google news and Join Our Community.
