The real woman with profound emotions behind the Iron Lady, as human as any other, torn between her conscience and the relentless demands of her role. With feelings of love for her son and fear for her family, she grapples with the inner conflict of being a mother and a leader. The burden of her past decisions and their haunting consequences weighs heavily on her, adding layers to her already complex persona. This is how Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency sets out to portray Indira Gandhi. The film dives into the complexities of her character, attempting to unravel the layers of a woman who carried the weight of a nation on her shoulders during one of the most controversial periods in Indian history.
Kangana Ranaut delivers an exceptional performance as Indira Gandhi. However, titling the movie “Emergency” might seem misleading to some viewers, as the film leans more toward being a biopic of Indira Gandhi rather than a detailed exploration of the Emergency itself.
Given Ranaut’s affiliation with the BJP—a political rival of the Indian National Congress (INC)—the film arrived amidst preconceived notions of controversy. Yet, the movie occupies a unique space where the Congress party cannot outright endorse it nor dismiss it as mere propaganda. The character of Mrs. Gandhi is portrayed with respect and authenticity, to the extent that even some of BJP’s staunch supporters accused her of “whitewashing” Indira Gandhi’s actions.
At the same time, Emergency does not shy away from presenting key historical events as they unfolded. It delves into pivotal moments, such as Pandit Nehru’s handling of Assam’s conflict with China, the horrors of the Emergency, the court ruling that disqualified Indira Gandhi from her prime ministership, Operation Blue Star, Sanjay Gandhi’s controversial influence, and the genesis of Bhindranwale’s rise under Congress’ patronage. These moments are presented with a balanced narrative, neither glorifying nor vilifying the individuals involved.
It is disheartening that such an inspiring story of a woman who often found herself alone—whether in dealings with the American president, a French delegate, or amidst the ruthless and corrupt Congress syndicate—and who brilliantly handled condescending tones while overcoming immense pressure, is overshadowed and underappreciated solely due to political biases. I strongly recommend ambitious individuals, regardless of gender, to watch this movie with an open mind, setting aside any political prejudices.
The first half of the movie takes its time to establish the narrative and might feel slow-paced to some, but the second half picks up momentum, delivering a truly engaging and compelling experience. However, the portrayal of Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s character leaves much to be desired. A more mature actor in the role could have elevated the scenes involving his character, adding depth and authenticity to the portrayal. Jayaprakash Narayan, portrayed by Anupam Kher, delivered a compelling performance but unfortunately had limited screentime. A more expansive focus on his character could have enriched the narrative, providing greater depth to his pivotal role in this historical context.
The film ultimately serves as both a historical recount and a psychological study of a leader navigating the turbulent waters of power, family, and legacy. By focusing on the human side of Indira Gandhi, Kangana Ranaut offers a nuanced take on one of India’s most polarizing figures. While it may not satisfy those looking for a detailed political critique, it succeeds in shedding light on the emotional and moral dilemmas of the Iron Lady.
Thank for reading!
If you found Indira Gandhi’s era intriguing in Emergency, check out my book, The Seven ‘I’s of Modi’s India: Through the eyes of an NRI, which dives into India’s transformation under Modi from 2014 to 2024. You can get a copy for yourself here. And I’d love to hear your thoughts—feel free to leave a review or share your feedback after reading!
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