Entertainment

Review: Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency misfires in portrayal of Indira Gandhi

Published

2 years ago

January 17, 2025

“Emergency,” the biopic directed by and starring Kangana Ranaut, ambitiously sets out to depict the life of Indira Gandhi, one of India’s most formidable political figures. The film starts by exploring Indira’s early years, suggesting that her difficult childhood and familial conflicts deeply influenced her later political life and leadership style.

The narrative, however, quickly diverts into a realm of dramatic exaggeration and historical liberties. Notably, the film invents scenes where significant historical figures like Jayaprakash Narayan, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw are portrayed singing about the nation’s wartime efforts—scenes that stretch the bounds of believability and detract from the film’s credibility.

Despite assertions that the screenplay is based on verified facts, with a long disclaimer citing sources, “Emergency” indulges in a selective recounting of events. It portrays Indira Gandhi alternately as a power-hungry autocrat and a misunderstood heroine, with Kangana’s performance focusing on emotional turmoil rather than political acumen.

The film is structured around two main segments: one highlighting Indira’s rise to power and her alleged authoritarian tendencies, particularly through her relationship with her son Sanjay Gandhi; the other focusing on her political downfall and eventual comeback. This bifurcation in narrative tries to cover extensive ground but ends up rendering a superficial glimpse into the complex politics of the era.

Supporting roles by veterans like Anupam Kher as Jayaprakash Narayan, Shreyas Talpade as Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Satish Kaushik in his final screen appearance as Babu Jagjivan Ram are intended to add depth but instead come across as caricatures. These portrayals contribute to a narrative that seems more intent on dramatization than an accurate historical recount.

Technically, the film benefits from the expertise of cinematographer Tetsuo Nagata, but his work is undermined by the overall production which fails to convincingly recreate the period or deliver a coherent visual style.

The film’s conclusion, which attempts to evoke sympathy for Indira Gandhi through a portrayal of personal guilt and political redemption, feels contrived. The depiction of Sanjay Gandhi’s controversial political maneuvers and their consequences are touched upon, but like much of the film, these elements are handled with a lack of nuance.

In sum, “Emergency” is a cinematic experiment that demonstrates how challenging it can be to balance historical biographic storytelling with creative liberties. While it may engage audiences unfamiliar with the depth of Indira Gandhi’s political life, for those with a better understanding, the film will likely come across as a disappointing portrayal that prioritizes drama over historical authenticity and depth.

Up Next

Novak Djokovic surpasses Roger Federer’s Grand Slam record

Don't Miss

Paatal Lok Season 2 Review: Dive deep into Nagaland’s intricacies with a gripping murder mystery with Inspector Hathi Ram return

Entertainment

CID creator BP Singh dies of heart attack, film industry pays tribute

B.P. Singh, the creator and producer-director of CID, has died after suffering a heart attack. His contribution to Indian television has prompted tributes from colleagues and members of the entertainment industry.

Published

1 week ago

October 27, 2026

APNLive Desk

Veteran television producer-director B.P. Singh, best known for creating the popular crime investigation series CID, has died after suffering a heart attack. His death on Tuesday, October 27, prompted tributes from colleagues and members of the entertainment industry, who remembered his contribution to Indian television.

Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit shared the news of Singh’s death in a social media post, remembering him as an accomplished filmmaker whose work had captivated audiences through shows such as CID and Aahat.

Pandit also recalled his association with Singh during the latter’s tenure as president of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association. Expressing grief over the loss, he described Singh as a close friend and a person whose work would continue to inspire future generations.

The last rites are scheduled to take place on Wednesday, October 28, according to Pandit’s post.

BP Singh’s contribution to Indian television

Born Brijendra Pal Singh, B.P. Singh established himself as a prominent figure in Indian television through his work as a producer and director. He created CID, one of the country’s longest-running crime investigation shows, which premiered in 1998 and followed a team of Mumbai crime branch officers investigating cases.

The series became widely recognised among television audiences and ran for around two decades. Singh also occasionally appeared on the show as DCP Shamsher Singh Chitrole.

One of the show’s notable milestones came in October 2004, when a special episode was filmed in a single continuous take lasting 111 minutes. The achievement received recognition in the Limca Book of Records and the Guinness World Records.

Singh’s work was not limited to crime dramas. He was also associated with Aahat, a popular horror television series that aired from 1995 to 2015. His other projects included Khaaki, Abhay and SuperCops Vs Super Villains.

Ashoke Pandit remembers the veteran filmmaker

In his tribute, Pandit recalled Singh’s professional achievements and their personal association. He praised the filmmaker’s work on CID and Aahat and expressed condolences to his family and loved ones.

Singh’s death marks the loss of a veteran television professional whose productions helped shape crime and horror programming in India.

His work on CID and Aahat remains a significant part of his legacy in Indian television.

Entertainment

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, known for Welcome and Hera Pheri, dies at 56

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, known for his memorable supporting role in Welcome, has died at 56.

Published

1 month ago

September 24, 2026

APNLive Desk

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, who appeared in several Hindi films and was particularly remembered for his role in the 2007 comedy Welcome, has died at the age of 56.

Khan was known for playing supporting characters across Hindi cinema and had worked in films spanning several decades. His role as Balu in Welcome remains among his best-known performances.

Mushtaq Khan’s film career

Mushtaq Khan appeared in a wide range of films during his career. His filmography included Aashiqui, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Gopi Kishan, Krantiveer, Raja, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Jodi No. 1 and Hera Pheri.

He also featured in more recent films including Stree 2, Gadar 2, Baby John, Dhoom Dhaam and Jaat. His filmography lists acting work continuing into 2026.

In Welcome, Khan played Balu, a supporting character in the comedy starring Akshay Kumar, Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor and other prominent actors.

Khan’s career also included television work, with his credits spanning a wide range of acting roles over the years.

Mushtaq Khan dies at 56

The actor’s death was reported on September 24, 2026. Reports said Khan had been undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with liver cancer and had been hospitalised for around 15 days. Further details surrounding his death were awaited in the initial reports.

Mushtaq Khan was 56. IMDb lists his date of birth as December 31, 1969.

Entertainment

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh welcome baby girl, their second child

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have welcomed their second child, a baby girl. The couple announced the birth on Instagram.

Published

1 month ago

September 20, 2026

APNLive Desk

Bollywood stars Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have welcomed their second child, a baby girl. The couple announced the arrival of their daughter on Instagram on Saturday through a post featuring a baby’s footprint.

The newborn is the couple’s second daughter. Deepika and Ranveer became parents for the first time in September 2024, when they welcomed their daughter Dua.

The couple has not announced the name of their newborn daughter in the post.

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s last spotting

Just a day before the announcement, Deepika Padukone visited Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple with Ranveer Singh and his parents.

Deepika was seen wearing an orange and purple kurta set, while Ranveer wore a purple kurta with white trousers. The visit came as the couple awaited the arrival of their second child.

Interestingly, the couple had also visited Siddhivinayak Temple in September 2024, shortly before the birth of their first daughter Dua.

Deepika and Ranveer’s family

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh married on November 14, 2018, in Lake Como, Italy. Their wedding featured ceremonies reflecting their Konkani and Sindhi backgrounds.

The couple’s relationship began while working together on Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela in 2013. They later got engaged in 2015 and welcomed their first child, Dua, on September 8, 2024.