Emergency (2025) Movie Review: A Mixed Bag of History and Drama
Kangana Ranaut’s “Emergency” (2025) is an ambitious retelling of the political and personal life of Indira Gandhi, one of India’s most iconic and controversial leaders. Directed, written, and performed by Kangana Ranaut, the film seeks to provide a compelling portrayal of the events that unfolded during the emergency period in India from 1975 to 1977. While the movie does have its moments, it’s far from perfect and evokes a wide range of emotions—from awe to disappointment.
A Bold Attempt at Historical Storytelling
Ranaut’s film ambitiously chronicles not just the infamous emergency period but also delves into the personal and political milestones in Indira Gandhi’s life. The film tries to balance the larger-than-life political narrative with emotional elements of Gandhi’s personal relationships, particularly with her son, Sanjay Gandhi.
However, the title “Emergency” might mislead audiences into expecting an intense focus solely on the 21-month emergency period. Instead, the film offers a broader and sometimes superficial look at Indira Gandhi’s life. The historical accuracy is another point of contention, as some sequences feel overly dramatized, and others lack the depth to do justice to the events they depict.
Kangana Ranaut’s Performance: A Double-Edged Sword
Kangana Ranaut’s portrayal of Indira Gandhi is a central point of debate. Her efforts to embody Gandhi’s voice, mannerisms, and personality are commendable, but they often border on caricature. In critical moments, the nuances of Gandhi’s complex persona get overshadowed by overly theatrical expressions and inconsistent accent work.
On the other hand, Ranaut’s performance in emotionally charged scenes is a highlight. Her ability to evoke empathy shines through, particularly in moments that explore Gandhi’s vulnerabilities as a mother and a leader.
Supporting Cast and Performances
The supporting cast adds depth to the narrative, with standout performances by Vishak Nair as Sanjay Gandhi and Anupam Kher as Jayaprakash Narayan. Nair’s energetic portrayal of Sanjay Gandhi brings a fresh dynamic to the screen, and his chemistry with Ranaut is one of the film’s stronger aspects. Milind Soman as Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw and Shreyas Talpade as Atal Bihari Vajpayee leave lasting impressions despite limited screen time.
Technical Aspects: A Visual and Musical Rollercoaster
Visually, “Emergency” is a polished production. The cinematography effectively captures the intensity of political drama, with well-composed frames and dramatic lighting adding to the tension. The prosthetic work by David Malinowski deserves special mention for transforming Ranaut into a striking resemblance of Indira Gandhi.
The music, composed by G.V. Prakash, is a mixed bag. While some tracks add emotional depth, others feel forced and disrupt the film’s pacing. The inclusion of musical sequences in a historical drama feels out of place and diminishes the narrative’s gravity.
Flaws in Pacing and Screenplay
One of the film’s major weaknesses is its pacing. The first half feels rushed, cramming in historical events without allowing the audience to fully absorb their significance. Conversely, certain emotional moments drag on unnecessarily, affecting the overall rhythm of the movie.
Additionally, the screenplay’s lack of focus detracts from the film’s impact. By trying to cover too much ground—from Indira Gandhi’s rise to power to the aftermath of the emergency—the narrative loses coherence and depth.
Historical Drama or Missed Opportunity?
While “Emergency” aims to be a biographical masterpiece, it falls short of delivering a cohesive and impactful narrative. The film’s attempt to humanize Indira Gandhi is laudable, but the rushed treatment of key historical events and inconsistent character development leave much to be desired.
The title itself sets an expectation for a deep dive into the emergency period—a promise the movie fulfills only partially. The decision to include broader aspects of Gandhi’s life dilutes the focus and makes the film feel more like a biographical overview than a detailed examination of a pivotal historical era.
Streaming Availability
As of now, “Emergency” (2025) is not available on any streaming platform for viewing. However, given its significance and potential popularity, it is likely to debut on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, or Disney+ Hotstar in the near future. For real-time updates on where to watch, check platforms like JustWatch.
Final Verdict
“Emergency” is an ambitious but flawed portrayal of Indira Gandhi’s life and legacy. While it succeeds in evoking strong emotions and providing glimpses of Gandhi’s multifaceted personality, it struggles with pacing, historical accuracy, and tonal consistency.
For history enthusiasts and fans of Kangana Ranaut, the film is worth a watch for its performances and high production values. However, those seeking an in-depth exploration of the emergency period might leave the theater feeling underwhelmed.
Call-to-Action
Have you watched “Emergency”? Share your thoughts in the comments below! If you haven’t, keep an eye out for its streaming debut. Stay tuned to JustWatch for updates on where you can watch this intriguing take on one of India’s most controversial political figures.
