Kangana Ranaut’s much-anticipated historical biopic Emergency has made a strong impression at the box office on its opening day, recording a collection of Rs. 2.35 crores. This marks the actress’s best opening in the past five years and her highest post-pandemic debut.
A Stellar Cast And A Historic Storyline
Directed, written, and co-produced by Kangana herself, Emergency delves into the life of late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during the Indian Emergency era. Kangana portrays Gandhi, while the ensemble cast includes Anupam Kher as Jayaprakash Narayan, Shreyas Talpade as Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Milind Soman as Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, and Mahima Chaudhry in pivotal roles.
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Mixed Reviews And Audience Response
Despite the buzz surrounding the trailer, Emergency has received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. However, the film witnessed a decent footfall of 13.60% on its first day, reflecting its strong hold in urban centers.
Originally slated for a September 2023 release, Emergency faced delays due to censorship certificate issues. Its eventual release, after much anticipation, has become one of the year’s most talked-about events in Indian cinema.
Controversies Surround The Film’s Release
The film has also been embroiled in controversy, with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) calling for a ban in Punjab. The SGPC president expressed concerns that the film might provoke outrage among the Sikh community. Responding to the allegations, Kangana said, “This is complete harassment of art and the artist… It is a lie and propaganda to tarnish my image and harm my film.”
With a promising start, Emergency has set the stage for a competitive run at the box office.