January 8, 2025 – After multiple delays and much anticipation, Kangana Ranaut‘s directorial debut Emergency is all set to hit theaters on January 17, 2025. The politically charged drama, based on the controversial 1975 Emergency imposed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, is creating a buzz not only for its timely release but also for the meticulous portrayal of the iconic leader by Kangana herself.
Emergency brings the tumultuous period of Indian politics back to the forefront, with Kangana playing the role of Indira Gandhi, whose political decisions shaped the nation’s history. The film has already drawn attention for its gripping narrative and powerful performances. The director, who is also an MP from Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi constituency, emphasized the film’s thoughtful portrayal of one of India’s most significant political figures.
Kangana Ranaut Invites Priyanka Gandhi to watch her film Emergency
Speaking to a news agency, Kangana shared her excitement about meeting Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Wayanad’s Member of Parliament and the sister of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The actress invited Priyanka to watch the film, revealing that their conversation at Parliament was warm and encouraging. “I told her, ‘You should watch Emergency,’ and she was very gracious in her response,” Kangana said.
While the movie delves into the complexity of Indira Gandhi’s persona, Kangana took care to highlight the dignity and depth of the late leader. “The film presents a sensible portrayal of Mrs. Gandhi, focusing on her legacy, not sensationalizing personal relationships,” Kangana explained. She added that, particularly for women in history, there is often a reductionist focus on their relationships with men, which she sought to avoid in her portrayal.
The film has faced some controversies regarding its content, especially surrounding cuts made to the original version. Despite these changes, Kangana remains confident in the integrity of her work. “Even with the cuts, I am happy with the portrayal. It wasn’t made to mock anyone, but to reflect an important chapter of Indian history,” she stated.
Beyond the political intrigue, Kangana also took a moment to recognize Indira Gandhi’s immense popularity. “Despite the turbulence of the Emergency, she was loved and celebrated by millions. Being a three-time Prime Minister is no small feat,” Kangana said, acknowledging the mass appeal of the leader who left a lasting mark on Indian politics.
The film also features an impressive ensemble cast, with Shreyas Talpade portraying Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Milind Soman as Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Mahima Chaudhry as Pupul Jayakar, the late Satish Kaushik as Jagjivan Ram, and Anupam Kher as Jayaprakash Narayan. With such a stellar lineup and a gripping storyline, the movie is poised to captivate audiences when it hits theaters next week.
The film’s delayed release has only increased anticipation, and fans are eager to see Kangana’s powerful direction and portrayal of one of India’s most influential political leaders.