Emergency (2025): A Bold Retelling of India’s Most Controversial Political Era
The highly awaited 2025 Bollywood biographical drama Emergency, helmed and co-produced by Kangana Ranaut, immerses viewers into one of the most tumultuous chapters of Indian history—the Emergency period under the leadership of Indira Gandhi. With a script penned by Ritesh Shah and a story by Ranaut herself, the film paints a complex picture of India’s former Prime Minister during a pivotal time that defined not only her legacy but the nation’s political trajectory.
Originally slated for release on September 6, 2024, the film’s release was delayed, but it finally hit the screens on January 17, 2025, after being cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). However, despite its anticipation, Emergency garnered mixed-to-negative reviews, with many criticizing its narrative despite an impressive performance from the lead actress Kangana Ranaut. The film’s box-office numbers also reflected a lackluster reception, making it a disappointment for its makers.
A Glimpse Into the Plot
Set against the backdrop of India’s post-independence era, Emergency introduces us to Indira Gandhi (played by Kangana Ranaut), who emerges as the central figure in the political storm of the 1970s. The film begins with a montage of Gandhi’s political journey—her rise to prominence, the internal struggles within the Congress Party, and her efforts to tackle the threat of Pakistan during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. The film reflects her initial battles as a puppet leader under the shadow of the powerful Congress Syndicate but gradually evolves as she asserts her own control and leads India through the Indo-Pak war, emerging victorious and basking in the “Indira wave” that follows.
However, Emergency delves deeper into the dark side of Indira Gandhi’s tenure. Following a court case in Allahabad that forces her to resign, Gandhi’s paranoia about the opposition’s growing influence leads her to call the Emergency in 1975, a controversial decision that would define her leadership in ways that shook the nation. As Gandhi tries to consolidate her power, the film shows her spiraling into a state of obsession, which ultimately causes irreparable damage to the country’s democratic institutions.
The Rising Power of Sanjay Gandhi
While Indira Gandhi is the focal point of the narrative, the film also brings attention to her son Sanjay Gandhi, portrayed by Vishak Nair. The film portrays Sanjay as a power-hungry individual who quickly takes charge during the Emergency, enforcing policies like forced sterilizations and the bulldozing of slum houses, resulting in tragic deaths. As his influence grows, Indira’s own grip on power loosens, setting the stage for tragic consequences for both her and the country.
The plot progresses to depict her internal conflict as she realizes the consequences of her authoritarian decisions. Gandhi, advised by her spiritual mentor, eventually lifts the Emergency in 1977 and calls for elections. Despite the setbacks and the hostility she faces from her son, Indira Gandhi’s political acumen shines as she manages to navigate the storm she herself created. Yet, the final blow to her legacy comes when her son, in a tragic twist, dies during an aerobatic stunt, prompting public celebrations due to his controversial policies.
A Struggle for Redemption
The film then takes a poignant turn when Indira, realizing the damage she caused, embarks on a path of redemption. The narrative shows her efforts to reconnect with the people, especially when she visits a village struck by famine, promising aid and assistance that the ruling Janata Party failed to deliver. Her actions spark a change in public perception, and she is slowly seen in a more favorable light once again, ultimately leading to her return to power in 1980.
As Indira Gandhi’s political journey unfolds, Emergency also touches upon other significant events from her time in power, including her handling of Punjab’s growing insurgency led by militants like Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. The film’s depiction of her firm stance against terrorism reflects her commitment to national security, even at the cost of alienating her own community, as seen in the portrayal of Sikh bodyguards who become increasingly uncomfortable with their leader’s decisions.
The film concludes on a somber note with the assassination of Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards on October 31, 1984, in the aftermath of Operation Blue Star. The final moments feature Gandhi’s last speech, where she reflects on her legacy and the harsh realities of power, saying, “I am not here to rule over India, but to serve India.”
An All-Star Cast Behind the Drama
Kangana Ranaut’s portrayal of Indira Gandhi has garnered significant attention, with her performance being one of the highlights of the film. The supporting cast includes prominent actors such as Anupam Kher as the influential political figure Jayaprakash Narayan, Shreyas Talpade as the future Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Milind Soman as Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, among others. The ensemble also features Vishak Nair as Sanjay Gandhi, whose power struggle with his mother is a critical subplot.
Other notable cast members include Mahima Chaudhry as Indira’s confidante Pupul Jayakar, Ashok Chhabra as Morarji Desai, and Satish Kaushik as Jagjivan Ram, adding depth to the film’s portrayal of the political figures of the time. The international cast features Richard Klein as Henry Kissinger, Scott Alexander Young as Richard Nixon, and Christophe Guybet as Georges Pompidou, who all play pivotal roles in shaping the narrative around India’s global politics during this period.
A Film That Challenges India’s Political History
Emergency is a bold attempt to dramatize one of the most controversial and significant periods in India’s history. While the film falters in terms of pacing and narrative depth, its attempt to tackle the complexities of leadership, power, and moral conflict during a national crisis is noteworthy. The film doesn’t shy away from portraying the flaws and vulnerabilities of a revered leader, offering a nuanced view of Indira Gandhi’s rule. However, its mixed reception underscores the challenge of adapting such a complex historical event into a gripping cinematic experience.
In conclusion, Emergency is a thought-provoking film that aims to explore the darker side of political power. While Kangana Ranaut’s direction and performance as Indira Gandhi are commendable, the film struggles to balance its ambitious narrative with its character-driven storytelling. Nonetheless, Emergency serves as an important cinematic exploration of a period that continues to shape India’s political landscape to this day.