Kangana Ranaut’s much-anticipated directorial debut, Emergency, which hit theaters on January 17, has shown steady progress at the box office. After a modest opening on its first day, the political thriller has gained momentum, with a significant jump in its day-two earnings.
On Day 2, Emergency earned approximately Rs.3.04 crore, pushing its total box office collection to Rs.5.54 crore. The film’s Hindi version registered an occupancy rate of 13.32% on Saturday, signaling an upward trajectory as it continues to draw in audiences. Although the film had a soft start with Rs.2.35 crore on its opening day, it marked Kangana’s biggest box office opening in five years, post-pandemic. This feat surpasses the opening earnings of her previous solo projects, including Tejas (Rs.1.25 crore) and Dhaakad (Rs.1.20 crore), both of which struggled at the box office.
Emergency is a biographical political thriller based on the life of India’s former Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi. Directed and produced by Kangana herself, the film explores the final years of Gandhi’s tenure, focusing on significant historical events like the Emergency of 1975 and Operation Bluestar. Kangana stars as Indira Gandhi, offering a deep dive into the political landscape of the time. The supporting cast includes Anupam Kher as Jayaprakash Narayan, Shreyas Talpade as a young Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Milind Soman as Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Mahima Chaudhary as Pupul Jayakar, and the late Satish Kaushik as Jagjivan Ram.
Despite a long delay in its release, Emergency has garnered attention for its portrayal of pivotal moments in Indian history. Critics have noted that the film feels like a “political science lesson” while offering a dramatized take on the Emergency period. Although the film received mixed reviews for its approach, it continues to pique the interest of audiences interested in the political drama surrounding one of India’s most turbulent times.
Fans and critics alike have noted Kangana’s ambitious effort to bring a significant chapter of India’s history to the big screen, despite the challenges of portraying such a complex and controversial period. The strong performances from the cast, especially the late Satish Kaushik, add depth to the narrative, making the film an intriguing watch for those interested in political history.
As the film progresses through its opening week, Emergency seems poised to build on its growing box office performance. Fans of political dramas and historical thrillers are expected to continue supporting the film as it unfolds the controversial and pivotal events of the 1970s in India. With a powerful cast and a story rooted in India’s political legacy, Emergency is making waves in cinemas across the country.
