Kangana Ranaut rejects ‘silly’ Oscars for Emergency, claims ‘America bully, suppress developing nations’
By
RUBY ZAIDI
After dominating Netflix charts and receiving widespread acclaim, Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut’s historical drama ‘Emergency’ has been the talk of the town. The film, which explores a crucial chapter in India’s political history, has managed to captivate audiences with its compelling storytelling and powerful performances. Despite the overwhelming praise, Kangana made headlines by dismissing suggestions that the film should be submitted for the Oscars. She called such aspirations “silly” and expressed her disapproval of the way America treats developing nations. According to her, national recognition, such as the prestigious National Awards in India, holds far more significance than foreign accolades.
A week after its release on an OTT platform, ‘Emergency’ achieved a remarkable milestone by securing the number-one spot on Netflix. The success of the film has reaffirmed Kangana’s position as one of the most talented and versatile actors in the Indian film industry.
In a surprising turn of events, ‘Emergency’ was made available on Netflix earlier than anticipated. Originally scheduled for release on March 17, the film was unexpectedly launched on March 14, much to the delight of her fans. The early release coincided with the festive celebrations of Holi, adding an extra layer of excitement for viewers who were eager to watch the much-anticipated political drama.
Kangana Ranaut, who has also ventured into politics as an elected Member of Parliament (MP), has been actively sharing audience reactions and reviews on social media. She has been particularly vocal on Instagram, where she has posted numerous fan reactions praising the film’s narrative, cinematography, and performances. The actress has been basking in the positive feedback, with many viewers lauding her for presenting a bold and thought-provoking depiction of one of India’s most controversial political periods.
Among the many accolades and praises received, a particular comment caught Kangana’s attention. A social media user suggested that ‘Emergency’ should be India’s official entry to the Oscars, emphasizing the film’s excellence and its ability to compete on an international level. However, Kangana was quick to dismiss the idea. She openly criticized the Oscars, referring to them as “silly” and implying that the American film industry’s recognition does not define the quality of a film. She further elaborated on her stance by condemning America’s approach towards developing nations, claiming that the country often acts as a global bully, imposing its influence and suppressing emerging economies through political and economic maneuvering.
One of the tweets in favor of the film read, “Emergency on Netflix should go for the Oscars from India. Kangana, what a film!” The suggestion, however, did not impress the actress, who remains steadfast in her belief that national awards and recognitions hold greater value for Indian filmmakers.
So, what does ‘Emergency’ actually portray? The film delves into the events following India’s independence, focusing on the tenure of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. A significant moment in the film involves a reference to the ancient battle of Indraprastha and the power struggle, drawing a symbolic parallel to the political challenges faced by India during Gandhi’s leadership.
The narrative then shifts to a montage of significant events, highlighting Indira Gandhi’s assertive political moves, particularly her efforts to protect the northeastern state of Assam. The film showcases her rise to becoming the most powerful figure within the Congress party and her handling of major crises that shaped the nation’s political landscape.
The movie meticulously captures the tumultuous period of Indian history under the leadership of Indira Gandhi, who remains one of the most formidable and controversial figures in Indian politics. By bringing these events to life, Kangana Ranaut has created a cinematic experience that not only educates but also sparks conversations about India’s past and its impact on contemporary politics.
While the film continues to receive admiration and remains a hot topic of discussion, Kangana’s firm stance on awards and international recognition reiterates her commitment to prioritizing India’s cultural and political sovereignty over Western validation. Whether or not ‘Emergency’ secures international recognition, its success on OTT platforms and the conversations it has ignited prove that the film has already made a lasting impact in the Indian film industry and beyond.
