Kangana Ranaut has been at the forefront of portraying women from Indian history on celluloid in the recent past. In a man’s world, stories about heroic women often get side-lined and don’t get the prominence that they deserve. Changing this narrative through films like Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi (2019) and Thalaivi (2021), Ranaut has set a new benchmark and has paved the way for more such stories to be made in mainstream cinema.
Her next film ‘Emergency’ which goes on floors, tells the story of a watershed moment in the political history of the country, the Emergency, which was declared by the then PM Indira Gandhi on June 25, 1975 and lasted till 21 March 1977. During this 21-month period, civil liberties were suspended, press censorship came into being and elections were canceled among other impositions. It is often referred to as one of the most controversial periods of India’s Independent history.
Kangana Ranaut nails the portrayal of Late PM, Indira Gandhi in the first look from her film ‘Emergency’. The actress plays one of the most powerful and controversial women in the history of the world, filming begins
The film’s first look shows how the actress has sunk her teeth into the skin of her character as the late PM Indira Gandhi. The prosthetics, the wardrobe, the demeanor is all reminiscent of the late Indian politician. The dialogues also establish the character of Mrs Gandhi and bring out her strong character to the fore.
For Ranaut, slipping into a role to portray a prominent leader has always been a challenge but her performances have always looked effortless to viewers. Her past outings, be it as the brave freedom fighter and queen, Manikarnika or the woman who changed the face of Tamil Nadu politics, J Jayalalitha, bear testimony to her ability to disappear into the characters that she essays on the big screen.
The actress has been celebrated for her ability to breathe life into her characters and her eye for detail. This time around, Ranaut is donning multiple hats. She is not only playing the lead role but she is also producing and directing the film. The emergency will be her second directorial venture after the box office money-spinner, Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi.
While Ranaut is helming the project, Ritesh Shah - who has written films like 'Pink' and ‘Kahaani' has penned ‘Emergency.’ Talking about her film Ranaut shares, “'Emergency’ reflects one of the most important periods in Indian political history which changed the way we view power and that’s why I decided to tell this story. Moreover, playing a public figure on screen is always a challenge because one has to get the look, the characteristics and the persona right. I spent a significant amount of time researching the subject and once I felt I had enough ammunition, I commenced on the film’s shoot.
Manikarnika films present Emergency which is written and directed by Kangana Ranaut. The film is produced by Renu Pitti and Kangana Ranaut. The screenplay and dialogues are by Ritesh Shah.
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