After much anticipation, Kangana Ranaut’s political drama Emergency has received censor clearance and is now scheduled for a theatrical release on January 17, 2025.
The film, set during the 1970s when the Emergency was declared, promises to offer a gripping exploration of one of the most pivotal and most spoken about chapters in Indian democracy.
Written, directed, and headlined by Kangana Ranaut, Emergency portrays the life and times of India’s first female Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi. Sharing the update with fans on social media, Kangana wrote, “17th January 2025 – The epic saga of the nation’s most powerful woman and the moment that altered India’s destiny. #Emergency – Unveils Only in cinemas on 17.01.2025 (sic)!”
The film was initially scheduled for release on September 6 this year. However, it ran into controversy after multiple complaints by several Sikh groups were made alleging that the film showed the Sikh community in a bad light. The censor board reviewed the film again and issued around 13 cuts and changes to the film, passing the content with a U/A certificate. The revising committee told the makers to comply with the changes and obtain the certificate for its release in theatres. The list of cuts included removal of a few violent scenes, and a reference to Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale as ‘saint or sant’ in a dialogue.
It features a powerful ensemble cast, including Anupam Kher, Mahima Chaudhary, Milind Soman, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, and the late Satish Kaushik. Produced by Zee Studios, Manikarnika Films and Renu Pitti, Emergency boasts a musical score by Sanchit Balhara and G.V. Prakash Kumar, with dialogues and screenplay crafted by the acclaimed Ritesh Shah.