Directed by the ‘Queen’ actress herself, the film revolves around the historic Emergency period declared by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi from 1975 to 1977
Our Bureau
Mumbai
The much-awaited and delayed film Emergency, directed by Kangana Ranaut is finally in the theatres. The film delves into the Emergency imposed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for 21 months from 1975 to 1977, and its aftermath. It stars Kangana in the lead role. Apart from her, the film also stars Anupam Kher and Shreyas Talpade in major roles. Directed by the ‘Queen’ actress herself, the film revolves around the historic Emergency period declared by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi from 1975 to 1977.
The film sparked a row since its trailer was launched last year. Now, protests are going on in some parts of the country against the film. Actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut called the ongoing protest against the release of her film ‘Emergency’ a “complete harassment of art and the artist.”
The protest is spearheaded by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), an apex governing body which manages historic gurudwaras in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh.
Kangana who is also serving as a Member of Parliament from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh labelled the ongoing protest in Punjab as propaganda to tarnish her image and harm her film ‘Emergency.’
Replying to a tweet from MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira calling for an immediate ban on the film Emergency, Kangana wrote, “This is complete harassment of art and the artist, from Punjab many cities are reporting that these people are not allowing Emergency to be screened. I have utmost respect for all religions and after studying and growing up in Chandigarh I have closely observed and followed Sikh religion. This is a complete lie and propaganda to tarnish my image and harm my film #Emergency”
Amid protest over the release of the film, security arrangements have been increased at the cinema halls in Amritsar.
While the political drama had a slow opening at the box office as per early estimates, it has received positive feedback from viewers.
In Himachal Pradesh’s Shimla, moviegoers shared their thoughts after watching the first half of the film.
“The first half was really good. The characters have been portrayed well, the cinematography is impressive, and the acting is excellent. So far, I’m enjoying it,” said Shyam Kumar, a moviegoer.
Another viewer, Nikhil, who was equally impressed, said, “The film has shown events up to 1975 so far, and it’s amazing. It’s a must-watch for the younger generation to understand India’s past. Kangana Ma’am’s portrayal of Indira Gandhi is unbeatable–no one else could have played this role better. I’m excited to see the second half.”
Kanpur also saw similar responses at theatres from fans, where they had great things to say about the movie. “This is an outstanding film. Kangana Ranaut has done a fantastic job as both an actress and director. Her performance as Indira Gandhi is exceptional,” said a fan named Garvit, after watching the film. Another fan, Rajkumar, added, “The film is very well-made. I hope Kangana creates more amazing movies like this in the future.”
The political drama also stars the late Satish Kaushik.
Ahead of the release of the film, Anupam Kher celebrated the legacy of the late actor Satish Kaushik by sharing his transformation for the role of former Deputy Prime Minister of India, Jagjivan Ram in the film. Taking to his Instagram handle, Anupam Kher shared a video in which actor Satish was seen talking about his role in the film.
Directed by Kangana Ranaut, the film also stars Anupam Kher and Shreyas Talpade in prominent roles, along with Satish Kaushik.
In the video, Satish called himself lucky to have been given the opportunity to portray Jagjivan Ram. He also praised Kangana Ranaut’s directorial skills, calling her an “actor’s director.”
The clip also featured his transformation makeup from actor Satish Kaushik to Jagjivan Ram. “Sometime as an actor when you are given an opportunity to play the role of a renowned personality then it invites a dilemma of how to approach the role. Shall I put some of myself into it or shall I act as per what the audience has seen or read before about him. I feel so lucky to play the role of Jagjivan Ram in the ‘Emergency.’
