Kangana Ranaut, who clinched her maiden victory on a BJP ticket from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, has taken her oath as a new Member of Parliament. However, the actor-turned-politician has found herself at the center of a social media storm for using the steps of the Parliament to promote her upcoming film, ‘Emergency’.
Kangana’s interaction with the media saw her sharply criticizing the Opposition while intertwining mentions of her film’s release date. She stated, “Those who are carrying the Constitution in Parliament and creating drama, their wrong deeds will be revealed on September 6. I had to face a lot of torture and difficulties during making of this film. This film is based on book written by Rajiv Gandhi and authentic material by their own family.”
Her statement, alongside a video clip shared by the Press Trust of India, quickly went viral. “Those who are carrying the Constitution in Parliament and creating drama, their wrong deeds will be revealed on September 6. I had to face a lot of torture and difficulties during making of this film. This film is based on book written by Rajiv Gandhi and authentic…” she repeated, emphasizing the connection between the political undertones of her speech and her film’s narrative.
Netizens quickly took to the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, to express their disapproval. Many criticized the actor for leveraging her status as an MP to publicize her film instead of discussing more pressing national matters. One user wrote, “Slipping in a movie promo while attacking an Opposition leader – this is talent.” Another quipped, “People promoting their movies on the Kapil Sharma show makes sense, but becoming an MP to promote a movie is next level.”
The backlash illuminated a broader discontent among the Indian public, with some users going as far as to call her actions a “mockery of democracy”. One such comment lamented, “This is what is mockery of democracy… she is out there to promote her film … poor Mandi janta..
. you deserve better.”
Despite taking the oath on the first day of the 18th Lok Sabha, Kangana’s political foray appears mired in controversy right from the start. The debate around her actions has amplified the scrutiny of her dual roles as an actor and politician.
‘Emergency’, set to release on September 6, is generating significant anticipation but also intense scrutiny. In her pre-release statements, Kangana expressed her artistic inspiration, drawing parallels with Shakespeare’s Macbeth. “I am deeply inspired by William Shakespeare’s Macbeth,” she said. “The essence of Emergency is the destruction wrought when ambition goes unchecked by moral constraints. It is undoubtedly the most sensational chapter of Indian democracy, and I am eagerly awaiting its worldwide release.”
The film, which Kangana has not only acted in but also directed, promises to be a riveting portrayal of one of India’s most politically charged periods. Featuring a stellar ensemble cast, including Anupam Kher, Mahima Chaudhary, Milind Soman, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, and the late Satish Kaushik, the production is a project of scale and ambition. Produced by Zee Studios and Manikarnika Films, ‘Emergency’ aims to present a vivid depiction of historical events that shook India’s democratic foundations.
The screenplay and dialogues, crafted by Ritesh Shah, and the soundtrack, orchestrated by Sanchit Balhara, are aimed at providing a deeply immersive experience for audiences. With high expectations set, the film’s re-enactments and storytelling are designed to captivate and educate viewers about a critical chapter in India’s political saga.
However, the criticism Kangana faces raises questions about the ethical boundaries of a public representative engaging in self-promotion. As she continues to navigate her dual roles, the intersection of her political duties and her cinematic ambitions will undoubtedly be scrutinized by the public and media alike.
The unfolding drama around the promotion of ‘Emergency’ adds a layer of intrigue and controversy, perhaps reflecting the tumultuous era the film seeks to portray. As the release date draws nearer, the public will be keen to see whether the narrative laid out in the film provides new insights or simply stirs more debate.
(With inputs from ANI)
