Kangana Ranaut, the multi-talented Indian actor, filmmaker, and member of parliament, is preparing to release her latest film Emergency, a bold exploration of one of the most contentious periods in India’s post-independence history. The film delves into the 21-month period from 1975 to 1977, when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi unilaterally declared a state of emergency, a time marked by the suspension of civil liberties, press censorship, and political imprisonment.
For Ranaut, born nearly a decade after these events, Emergency is more than just a historical drama—it’s a deep dive into the nature of power and its consequences. “I’m ’86 born, and people of my age, we’ve missed out on that ’70s emotion,” she shared in an interview. Her decision to bring this story to the screen was sparked by a poignant line from a biography of Indira Gandhi by Pupul Jayakar. Gandhi’s reflection on her actions during the Emergency, likening them to riding a “ferocious, cruel beast,” resonated deeply with Ranaut and inspired her to explore this complex chapter of Indian history.
Unlike a straightforward historical recount, Emergency aims to offer a nuanced portrayal of Indira Gandhi’s turbulent tenure, portraying the political and personal struggles that shaped her decisions. “Her life was such a Shakespearean tragedy,” Ranaut reflects. “It’s not for us to judge or evaluate. It is what it is.” The film seeks to provide an honest, unflinching look at what led to the Emergency and its aftermath, inviting audiences to draw their own conclusions.
The film’s release comes at a time when the Indian National Congress, the party Gandhi led, is in opposition, and Ranaut herself is a member of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Despite the sensitive subject matter, Ranaut is confident in the film’s reception. She emphasizes that Emergency was crafted with the help of a team of historians, including those who lived through the era, ensuring a balanced and accurate portrayal. “Nobody can get offended by this kind of honesty,” she asserts.
Ranaut’s involvement in Emergency is all-encompassing—she serves as the film’s lead actor, writer, director, and producer. The project is her second directorial venture, following the success of Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi in 2019. “It’s just so consuming,” she says of her multi-faceted role. “The only time I think I’ve seen that sort of engagement with anything is probably new parents.”
Balancing her burgeoning political career with her film commitments has proven challenging. As a member of parliament representing the Mandi constituency in Himachal Pradesh, Ranaut has been heavily involved in addressing recent flood crises in her region, which has delayed her film projects. “My film work is suffering,” she admits, noting the difficulty in juggling parliamentary duties with her creative endeavors.
Yet, despite the demands of both careers, Ranaut remains passionate about her dual roles. Looking back, she recognizes how the success of Queen in 2013 marked a turning point in her career, ushering in a new era of women-centric films in Bollywood. As she prepares for the release of Emergency on September 6, Ranaut continues to navigate her path with the same tenacity and vision that has defined her journey in both cinema and politics.
