Kangana Ranaut’s ‘Emergency’ Lands in Legal Trouble After Box Office Failure
By BollywoodPollywoodLifez
Kangana Ranaut’s ambitious political drama Emergency, which released in January 2025, has now found itself entangled in serious legal troubles. The film, which was heavily marketed as a bold depiction of India’s dark chapter during the 1975 Emergency, is being slammed by critics, netizens, and now the legal system for historical inaccuracies and biased storytelling.
Senior Journalist Sues Kangana and Streaming Platform
A reputed senior journalist has moved the court against Kangana Ranaut and the OTT platform where the film is being streamed. The petitioner has accused the makers of twisting historical facts and portraying sensitive events without due diligence. The journalist claims the narrative disrespects documented history and misrepresents actual political developments of that era.
What’s more damaging is the claim that this misinformation may mislead viewers and alter the public perception of real-life political leaders. The complaint includes detailed comparisons between actual events and the scenes shown in the film, along with allegations of defamation and content manipulation.
Protests Continue Across Punjab and Other States
Even before the legal notice, Kangana’s film had triggered political unrest across several regions, particularly Punjab. Various Sikh organizations raised concerns about how the film distorts incidents related to the community. Protests erupted in several cities, with demonstrators tearing posters, blocking cinema halls, and demanding a ban on the film.
Despite issuing multiple clarifications, Kangana failed to convince the opposing groups. The political backlash only intensified with time, affecting the overall reception of the film even further.
Kangana Breaks Silence: “Truth Hurts But Must Be Told”
Taking to social media, Kangana defended her creative choice by stating that the film is a fictionalized account meant to reveal the brutal consequences of dictatorship. “Truth hurts but must be told. I made Emergency for the people, and not to please political parties,” she wrote.
She even claimed that certain political and film industry mafias are deliberately targeting her to suppress her bold narrative. But even her ardent supporters are finding it hard to back the film after its cold reception.
Emergency’s Box Office Failure: A Costly Gamble
While Kangana’s intention may have been noble, the results were far from impressive. The film had a reported budget of ₹80 crores but struggled to even cross ₹30 crores at the domestic box office. Initial collections were modest, and word-of-mouth failed to lift its numbers in the following weeks.
Many critics cited the screenplay as overly preachy and emotionally disconnected. While Kangana’s performance was appreciated by a niche audience, the majority found it too theatrical. Coupled with a slow narrative and dense political jargon, the film lost out on repeat audience viewership.
For a film that aimed to be an award-season contender, Emergency is now being discussed more for its controversies than its content.
Industry Reactions and Audience Fatigue
The film fraternity has shown mixed reactions. Some praised Kangana for her courage in choosing such a topic, while others questioned the timing and execution. Film analysts believe that while political dramas have an audience, they must be emotionally engaging and factually balanced.
In a time where entertainment is just a tap away on mobile screens, audiences expect engaging storytelling that either educates or entertains—preferably both. Emergency failed to do either convincingly for the general masses.
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