Mumbai, March 17 — Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency, which premiered on Netflix last week, has sparked strong reactions. While some viewers believe the film deserves an Oscar, Ranaut dismissed the idea, saying the U.S. would not acknowledge its portrayal in the movie.
A social media user suggested “#EmergencyOnNetflix should go for the Oscars from India. Kangana, what a film.” Sharing the post on Instagram, Ranaut responded, “But America wouldn’t like to acknowledge its real face—how they bully, suppress, and arm-twist developing nations. It’s been exposed in Emergency. They can keep their silly Oscar. We have National Awards.”
Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta, initially hesitant to watch the film, admitted he was wrong in prejudging it. “Very frankly, I wasn’t planning to as I had prejudged it. I am so glad that I was wrong. What a fantastic film by Kangana—both performance and direction. Top-notch and world-class,” he wrote.
Ranaut responded by calling for a shift in the industry’s mindset. “The film industry must come out of its hate and prejudices and acknowledge good work. Thanks for breaking that barrier, Sanjay ji,” she wrote, adding, “My message to all filmi intellectuals—never keep any notions about me. Mujhe samajhne ki koshish bhi mat karna, main pahunch se bahar hoon (Don’t try to figure me out, I am out of your reach).”
Audience Reaction and Netflix Performance
Another viewer praised Ranaut’s performance, prompting her to reflect on her previous roles. “People are calling my acting in Emergency amazing and my best ever. Could I surpass Queen, Tanu Weds Manu 2, Fashion, Thalaivi? Watch Emergency and find out,” she wrote.
Since its release on Friday, Emergency has topped Netflix’s movie charts in India, followed by Ajay Devgn’s Azaad and Naga Chaitanya-Sai Pallavi’s Thandel.
Directed, produced, and headlined by Ranaut, Emergency chronicles the 21-month Emergency imposed by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975. The political drama features Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, Milind Soman, and the late Satish Kaushik. It is produced by Zee Studios and Manikarnika Films.
