Actor Kangana Ranaut recently extended an invitation to Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to watch her upcoming film Emergency, in which she portrays Priyanka's grandmother, the former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. This gesture took place during a meeting between the two MPs in Parliament, where Kangana made it a point to recommend the film. “I actually met Priyanka Gandhi ji in Parliament, and the first thing I told her was, ‘Aapko Emergency dekhni chahiye’ (You should watch Emergency),” Kangana shared. Priyanka, known for her graceful demeanor, responded with a polite “Yeah, maybe,” to which Kangana reassured her, “You will quite like it.”
The film Emergency chronicles the state of emergency declared by Indira Gandhi in 1975, a highly contentious and transformative period in Indian political history. Kangana’s portrayal of the iconic leader comes after extensive research, and she is careful to offer a balanced and dignified depiction of a woman who had a profound impact on the nation's future. In interviews, Kangana emphasized how she approached the role with the utmost sensitivity, aiming to showcase the complexities of Indira Gandhi’s character beyond the headlines. “I believe it’s a very sensitive and sensible portrayal of one episode and one personality. I’ve taken great care to portray Mrs. Gandhi with dignity,” Kangana explained.
Kangana further reflected on the challenges of portraying a political figure of Indira Gandhi’s stature, particularly how women in history have often been reduced to their relationships with men or sensationalized personal affairs. “During my research, I noticed a lot of focus on her personal life—her relationship with her husband, friends, and controversial equations. I thought to myself, there is so much more to a person. I have taken special care, not even going into those directions, because when it comes to women, they are always reduced to their equation with men around them, and sensational encounters,” Kangana added.
The film is set to explore the period of political unrest in 1975, providing viewers with a rare look at the state of emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi. This episode, which has been a subject of much debate, will be depicted not just as a political decision but as a personal and national turning point. Kangana, who both directs and stars in the film, sought to depict Indira Gandhi as a multifaceted leader who dealt with immense challenges.
Alongside Kangana, the film also stars Anupam Kher and Shreyas Talpade in key roles, portraying other significant figures of that time. Their performances, along with Kangana’s, are expected to offer a deep dive into one of India’s most turbulent and politically charged periods.
Emergency is scheduled to hit theaters on January 17, 2025, and is expected to generate significant attention, both for its portrayal of historical events and its timely exploration of leadership, power, and governance.
