Emergency (2025) is an Indian Hindi-language historical biographical drama directed and co-produced by Kangana Ranaut, who also portrays former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The film chronicles the events of the 1975 Indian Emergency, a 21-month period during which Gandhi declared a state of emergency across the country, granting her the authority to rule by decree. The narrative aims to provide a detailed account of the political and personal challenges faced by Gandhi during this controversial period in Indian history.
Released on January 17, 2025, “Emergency” received mixed-to-negative reviews from critics. While some praised Ranaut’s portrayal of Indira Gandhi, others criticized the film for its superficial treatment of historical events and lack of depth. NDTV’s review highlighted that the film “wades through the early years of Indira Gandhi’s life pretty much in the manner that it treats the rest of it—hastily, superficially and risibly.” The New Indian Express described it as “a drab history lesson,” pointing out technical flaws and a disjointed narrative. Despite the ambitious attempt to depict a significant era in India’s political landscape, “Emergency” struggled at the box office, grossing between ₹21.75–22 crore against a budget of ₹60 crore.
