Kangana Ranaut released the first teaser for her next directorial, Emergency, in which she plays former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Kangana looks like a late PM in the short promo video, complete with spectacles and a starched cotton saree.
It is too early to say whether the actor will take on the role of a politician or how she will portray the era known as darkest hour of Indian democracy. Kangana has been clear that the film is not a biography of Gandhi. In the video, Kangana receives a phone call from former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, who asks if American President Richard Nixon can address her as “Ma’am” instead of “Sir.” Kangana as Indira takes a beat and says yes, but then turns to her secretary and asks him to notify the US President that everyone in her office addresses her as ‘Sir.’
The actor had shared the first clip with a caption that read, “Presenting ‘Her’ who was called ‘Sir’ #Emergency shoot begins.”
Watch Emergency teaser
Kangana’s transformation has been done by Oscar-winner David Malinowski who has worked on films such as Darkest Hour (2017), World War Z (2013) and The Batman (2022).
Speaking about the movie, Kangana Ranaut said in a statement, “Emergency reflects one of the most important periods in Indian political history which changed the way we view power and that’s why I decided to tell this story. Moreover, playing a public figure on screen is always a challenge because one has to get the look, the characteristics and the persona right. I spent a significant amount of time researching the subject and once I felt I had enough ammunition, I commenced the film’s shoot.”
Earlier, Kangana had shared a newspaper clipping from 1975, and wrote, “These were the most dramatic events in the recent history of the world. What lead to the Emergency which was declared today and what were its consequence. In the centre of it was the most powerful woman in the world.This deserves a grand-scale epic film of its own. So see you in the theatres next year with #Emergency”.
She described directing the film a ‘tremendous journey’. “Pleased to wear director’s hat again. After working on Emergency for more than a year, I finally figured no one can direct it better than me. Collaborating with fabulous writer Ritesh Shah. Even if it means sacrificing on various acting assignments, I am determined to do it. My excitement is high. This is going to be a tremendous journey,” Kangana had written on Instagram.
