Kangana Ranaut calls Emergency direction a mistake, admits misjudging theatrical release

Kangana Ranaut recently opened up about the challenges surrounding her first solo directorial film, Emergency. In a candid interview with News18, she admitted making several wrong decisions during the film’s production. One of her biggest regrets was directing the film herself and opting for a theatrical release instead of choosing streaming.

She revealed that the film’s delayed release shook her confidence. The Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC) withheld its approval for months, and Kangana admitted feeling “scared” about the prolonged delay. “I thought it was a wrong decision to release it in theatres,” she said. “I believed I could have gotten a better deal on OTT. I also wouldn’t have faced censorship issues, and the film wouldn’t have been dissected so much.” Kangana expressed her concerns about what the CBFC might remove from the movie, leaving her uncertain about what would stay in the final cut.

The CBFC, which certifies films for public viewing in India, is under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Its role is crucial in determining which films are suitable for audiences, sometimes leading to cuts or modifications.

Aside from the challenges with the release, Kangana reflected on her decision to direct Emergency. She admitted that she made “wrong choices” on several levels, starting with her decision to take on the role of the director. “I took it for granted that I could get away with making a film about Emergency,” she confessed. She acknowledged that, while the film aimed to portray Indira Gandhi’s controversial tenure as Prime Minister, she underestimated the complexities involved. She also compared it to the 1977 film Kissa Kursi Ka, which was banned after its release, with no prints surviving.

The film Emergency is based on a critical period in Indian history, focusing on the 1975 Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi. It covers the political turmoil of that era, including Operation Bluestar. In the movie, Kangana portrays Indira Gandhi, while an ensemble cast featuring Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Mahima Chaudhry, and others plays key roles.

Despite the hurdles and controversy, Emergency is set for a theatrical release on January 17. Kangana is hopeful that the audience will recognize her efforts and the historical significance of the film. Still, she remains wary of the challenges that lie ahead, particularly in light of the delays and the film’s politically sensitive subject matter.