Kangana Ranaut’s much-awaited political drama, Emergency, is all set for release on January 17, 2025, after facing multiple delays and controversies. Despite these setbacks, trade experts remain confident that the film will succeed at the box office, provided it delivers strong content, showcasing not only Ranaut’s acting skills but also her ability as a storyteller.
The film, produced by Zee Studios and Manikarnika Films, recounts the 21 months of Emergency imposed in 1975 by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Kangana Ranaut plays the leading role of Indira Gandhi, a character she portrays both as an actress and producer. Although the movie has already stirred some controversy, particularly regarding the depiction of Sikh history, Ranaut’s involvement in the project has generated significant buzz.
A recent controversy erupted just days before the release when the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) called for a ban on the film. SGPC claimed that Emergency “tarnishes” the image of Sikhs and misrepresents historical events. However, despite these challenges, industry insiders like distributor Akshay Rathi remain optimistic about the film’s box-office potential. Rathi, who owns cinemas in Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, anticipates an opening of ₹5 to ₹6 crore for Emergency.
Rathi emphasized that the success of a film is primarily determined by its content. Drawing examples from other political films like The Kashmir Files, which garnered substantial attention despite its controversial themes, he stated that genres and delays have a minimal impact on a film’s success as long as the content is compelling. Rathi further commended Kangana for her exceptional acting skills and expressed hope that her storytelling would live up to her acting prowess.
On the other hand, political analyst Sanjay Ranade expressed concerns about the film’s approach to politics, suggesting that it presents a one-sided narrative. He criticized the trailer for its lack of depth, noting that the story fails to explore the complexities of the political events of 1975. According to Ranade, Indian films often take a polarized view of historical figures, whereas a more nuanced, European approach would allow for a multi-dimensional portrayal. This, he believes, might limit the film’s ability to resonate with audiences who expect a balanced view of history.
Trade analyst Komal Nahta weighed in, stating that one cannot predict the film’s box-office success solely based on its trailer. According to Nahta, factors like the film’s content and execution will ultimately determine its commercial success. While the controversies surrounding the release, including its delay from September to January, may have some effect, Nahta believes that if the movie is strong enough, it can still perform well. He also praised Kangana’s acting talent, noting that her performance will likely attract viewers.
Emergency features an ensemble cast, including Shreyas Talpade as a young Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Milind Soman as Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Mahima Choudhary as Pupul Jayakar, and the late Satish Kaushik as Jagjivan Ram. Despite facing several challenges on its journey to the big screen, the film is set to make a significant impact, depending on the strength of its storytelling and Kangana’s performance.
As the film finally makes its way to theaters, all eyes will be on Emergency to see if it can rise above the controversies and deliver a compelling cinematic experience for audiences.
