Kangana Ranaut recently voiced her concerns about the kinds of films selected for the Oscars, especially criticizing those that portray India negatively. Speaking to Times Now, she argued that the Oscars often favour films that depict India as a “s**thole,” such as Slumdog Millionaire. According to Kangana, the narratives pushed by these films usually highlight issues like poverty or religious intolerance, which makes India look bad. She also mentioned a recent film that has received much acclaim, which, according to its director, depicts India as a country where freedom of love is curbed due to religious intolerance. Although she admitted that she hadn’t watched the film, she claimed that such films are part of the Oscars’ agenda.
Kangana’s statements reflect her anger at the overall depiction of India in international cinema. She added that, when films showcasing the problems of India or deficiencies there get notice, Emergency does not fit in with such films because Kangana’s film projects an Indian picture as something more differentiated and empowering than that usually in search of a win for Oscars from the West. But the lady doesn’t care for either the validation of an Indian or Western award show, though she finds fault with the selection process. For her, Emergency is a quality film per se.
The film Emergency is a biographical drama based on the controversial Emergency period in India, imposed by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi between 1975 and 1977. Kangana portrays the role of Indira Gandhi, and it goes through a political and social chaos of that era. It stars a strong ensemble cast which includes Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, and Mahima Chaudhry, to name a few. It underlines a major historical event in India’s political landscape and aims to highlight the struggle of that period.
With repeated delays, Emergency is set for January 17, 2025. Interest is expected as Kangana, once again, gets to play the character of Indira Gandhi while it is going to be action-packed and full of biographical details. Having her firm opinion on the global award scene, Kangana does see great potential in this film and hopes it will present the strength of the country and resilience at its very best.
