Kangana Ranaut's much-anticipated biographical drama Emergency, based on former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's life, had the potential to be a riveting exploration of one of India's most controversial political figures. However, despite Ranaut's dedicated performance, the film is marred by uneven storytelling, weak character development, and an overreliance on creative liberties.

The film attempts to showcase Indira Gandhi's journey from a young, determined leader to a powerful but polarizing figure. However, the narrative swings erratically between portraying her as an astute strategist who played a pivotal role in the creation of Bangladesh and as a vacillating, paranoid leader overshadowed by her son Sanjay Gandhi. Instead of a nuanced portrait, viewers are left with a caricature riddled with inconsistencies.

One of the most glaring shortcomings is the handling of the Emergency, the film's titular focus. This turbulent period in Indian history, marked by mass arrests, press censorship, and constitutional violations, deserved in-depth exploration. Instead, it is relegated to a rushed and shallow chapter in the movie, with little insight into its long-term impact on Indian democracy.

The performances, while occasionally noteworthy, are weighed down by underwritten roles. Ranaut's prosthetic-enhanced resemblance to Indira Gandhi is striking, but her portrayal lacks depth, leaning heavily on surface-level quirks like pursed lips and an exaggerated accent. Supporting characters, including Sanjay Gandhi (Vishak Nair) and Atal Bihari Vajpayee (Shreyas Talpade), are given limited screen time, reducing them to one-dimensional figures.

Technical aspects such as computer graphics and scene transitions further detract from the film's credibility. A particularly jarring moment involves a musical sequence featuring historical figures like Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, which feels out of place in a serious political drama.

Emergency ultimately struggles to reconcile its ambitions with its execution. While it aims to provide a comprehensive look at Indira Gandhi's life and decisions, it instead delivers a fragmented and superficial narrative. Films like Randeep Hooda’s Veer Savarkar demonstrate that historical dramas can succeed with strong writing and direction—something Emergency sorely lacks.