Kangana Ranaut's ambitious biographical historical drama Emergency finally premiered in theatres on Friday, marking a significant step in her career both as an actress and director. However, despite the high expectations from her directorial venture, the film faced a sluggish start at the box office. Despite this, the film showed a notable improvement on its second day of release, drawing more viewers and gaining momentum in theatres.
According to industry tracker Sacnilk, Emergency earned approximately Rs 3.50 crore nett on Saturday, a substantial increase from the opening day’s earnings. The film registered a total Hindi occupancy of 15.41% on its second day, with the highest footfall recorded during the evening and night shows. This brought the total earnings of the film to Rs 6 crore after just two days in cinemas. While the numbers are not strikingly high, they suggest that the film has the potential to build upon its initial traction and attract a larger audience in the days to come.
The timing of the film’s release coincided with Azaad, a film featuring Ajay Devgn’s nephew Amaan Devgan and Raveena Tandon’s daughter Rasha Thadani. However, Azaad failed to gain much attention, earning only Rs 1.50 crore on Saturday, similar to its performance on Friday. This stark contrast in performance underlines the fact that Emergency has captured a larger share of the audience, despite its somewhat lukewarm reception from critics.
For Kangana, Emergency holds particular significance as it marks her return to the director’s chair, and as an actor, she is taking on the role of a strong historical figure. Having not delivered a major box-office hit in the past few years—Thalaivii, Dhaakad, and Tejas were all commercial failures—Emergency is seen as a make-or-break film for the actress. The film chronicles the events surrounding the Emergency imposed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi from 1975 to 1977, a critical moment in India's political history. As the director and lead actress, Kangana’s handling of this sensitive topic is under intense scrutiny, with both her portrayal of history and her creative choices being evaluated by audiences and critics.
However, despite the film's potential and its historical importance, it hasn't won over audiences entirely. India Today's reviewer, Sana Farzeen, gave the film a 2.5-star rating, which reflects the mixed feedback the film has garnered so far. Farzeen specifically highlighted that the pacing of the film might test viewers' patience, and there are moments where audiences could feel the need for more depth and context. "The pacing tests your patience as there are times when you want to know more," Farzeen wrote, suggesting that the film’s narrative does not always succeed in keeping the audience fully engaged. She also pointed out that viewers without a strong background in general knowledge might find themselves resorting to Google to understand the real-life events depicted in the film.
Furthermore, Farzeen noted the film’s musical elements, with some songs feeling like unnecessary distractions. A couple of them, she wrote, were “picturised as dramatic musicals, which makes it unintentionally funny.” This critique reflects the occasional awkwardness in Kangana's direction, where the mix of historical drama and musical elements may not have hit the right notes. Additionally, the film’s depiction of violence drew attention for its intensity. Farzeen mentioned that the portrayal of violence was "gory," and added that there were excessive close-up shots, especially of the characters' faces, which contributed to an uncomfortable viewing experience. These aspects could be alienating for some viewers, but the film’s historical significance and Kangana’s bold approach may still appeal to a specific audience.
Despite these critiques, Emergency remains a crucial project for Kangana, both in terms of her career and the film’s thematic ambition. The film’s narrative, focusing on a dark chapter in India’s political history, continues to have resonance, especially in today’s politically charged climate. The presence of veteran actors like Anupam Kher and Shreyas Talpade in key roles is also helping anchor the film’s performances and elevate its credibility. Kher’s portrayal of political figures and Talpade’s presence as a supporting character bring a sense of gravitas to the film, which may appeal to those interested in India's historical struggles.
Kangana’s decision to focus on the controversial Emergency period, a time of civil rights violations, political upheaval, and mass protests, provides the film with a unique angle. By portraying the story through her lens, Kangana attempts to weave personal narratives into the broader political fabric of the time, a move that may resonate with history enthusiasts and viewers who appreciate stories of struggle, resistance, and power dynamics.
The mixed reception, however, raises questions about the film's long-term prospects at the box office. While the initial numbers show promise, Emergency will need to maintain its momentum through the coming week to prove itself as a commercial success. The continued success of Emergency will largely depend on word-of-mouth and whether audiences embrace its portrayal of India’s political history.
With Emergency marking Kangana's return to the spotlight after a few years of box office disappointments, the film's success or failure will likely shape her future projects and her reputation as both a director and a leading Bollywood star. For now, the film continues to face challenges but remains an important moment in her career trajectory.
