Kangana Ranaut has candidly discussed the challenges and missteps she faced during the production of her first solo directorial venture, Emergency. The political drama, centered on the controversial Emergency period in Indian history, is now set to hit theaters on January 17 after facing delays.
Kangana on Release Delays
In an interview with News18, Kangana expressed regret over opting for a theatrical release instead of an OTT platform. She revealed that the film’s clearance was delayed by the Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC), leaving her anxious.
“I felt that it was a wrong decision to release it in theatres. I thought I could have gotten a better deal on OTT. I also wouldn’t have had to go through censorship then, and my film wouldn’t have been dissected,” she shared.
The CBFC, which operates under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, is responsible for certifying films for public viewing. Kangana noted that the process heightened her concerns about potential edits and restrictions.
Kangana on Directing Emergency
The actress-turned-director admitted that taking on the directorial role was a miscalculation. “I felt that I made the wrong choices on many levels: firstly, wanting to direct this film. I underestimated things and thought that I would be able to get away by making a film on Emergency,” Kangana explained.
She compared the project to Kissa Kursi Ka, a 1977 film critical of the Emergency period, whose prints were infamously destroyed. “Nobody made films about Mrs. Gandhi. Upon watching Emergency, today’s generation will be surprised to think how she became like that; after all, she became PM three times,” she said, reflecting on the significance of the story.
About Emergency
Emergency depicts the events surrounding the political turmoil of 1975-77, highlighting key moments from Indira Gandhi’s tenure as Prime Minister, including Operation Bluestar. Kangana portrays Indira Gandhi, leading a star-studded cast featuring Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Mahima Chaudhry, Milind Soman, and the late Satish Kaushik in pivotal roles.
After significant delays and controversies, Emergency will finally debut in cinemas on January 17, offering audiences an insight into a defining chapter of India’s history.
Sources By Agencies
