Kangana Ranaut Shines, But 'Emergency' Struggles with Its Execution

India: Kangana Ranaut’s performance in Emergency is undeniably the heart of the political drama, though the film struggles with an inconsistent narrative and faltering execution. While Kangana delivers an exceptional portrayal of Indira Gandhi, the rest of the movie doesn’t quite match her brilliance.

Set against the backdrop of the 1975 Emergency imposed in India, Emergency navigates through historical events and the politics of the time. With an impressive supporting cast, including the late Satish Kaushik, Shreyas Talpade, and Anupam Kher, the film starts with an overbearing tone, as it feels more like a political science lesson than a gripping story. This made it hard to stay engaged, with viewers perhaps distracted by their phones as the script falters in making it more compelling.

A key flaw is the over-explanation of emotional moments, particularly with Indira Gandhi's remorse during the Emergency. The film doesn’t trust the audience enough, resorting to heavy-handed camera work (such as lingering on a lioness picture) to make points. In the first half, some moments come across as unintentionally funny, and the intermission is almost the moment you check out.

However, Kangana's acting continues to carry the film. After the break, things pick up pace as her portrayal deepens, particularly in scenes where she faces a personal tragedy. The power-packed emotional moments in the second half might make the film worth the watch.

Another notable detail is the film’s approach to Indira Gandhi’s legacy—Kangana doesn't seem intent on either glorifying or vilifying the political figure. The performances from Anupam Kher and the late Satish Kaushik add layers to the film, while the music—though well placed—feels like it is forced at times, especially the lip-sync sequences that create a disconnect with the story.

Ultimately, Emergency offers glimpses of good storytelling but struggles with a rushed, cluttered execution. If you're looking for a political drama with strong acting, you might find Emergency worth a watch—though the lack of a compelling narrative does leave much to be desired.