In a stunning event at the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya in New Delhi, acclaimed actress and filmmaker Kangana Ranaut unveiled the music album for her much-anticipated film ‘Emergency’. The launch, held at a location steeped in historical significance, aptly set the tone for a film that promises to delve deep into a tumultuous period in Indian history. The music album, composed by renowned musicians G.V. Prakash Kumar and Arko Pravo Mukherjee, with evocative lyrics written by Manoj Muntashir, captures the essence of the 1970s with a timeless blend of powerful anthems and soulful melodies.
At the centerpiece of this musical offering is a series of tracks that meticulously paint the cultural and political landscape of the era. The album opens with ‘Singhasan Khali Karo’, a commanding anthem that has already resonated with listeners. Sung by celebrated artists Udit Narayan, Nakash Aziz, and Nakul Abhyankar, the track aims to stir a sense of urgency and resolve. Equally compelling is the ballad ‘Ae Meri Jaan’ by Hariharan, which touches the heart with its poignant lyrics and gentle melody.
The rousing battle cry ‘Shankhnaad Kar’, featuring the voices of Nakul Abhyankar, Neeti Mohan, and Romy, further enlivens the album. Meanwhile, ‘Beqarariyaan’ by Monali Thakur stands out with its melodic richness. Finally, ‘Sarkar Ko Salaam Hai’ sung by Sree Ram Chandra, pays tribute to leadership and encapsulates a more reflective tone. Each song within the album is crafted to reflect the film’s underlying themes of power, resistance, and the indomitable human spirit, making the soundtrack a compelling companion to the narrative of ‘Emergency’.
Speaking at the launch, Kangana Ranaut shared her excitement: “Launching the album at Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, a tribute to India’s Prime Ministers, is an honor. With each song, we revisit history, celebrate courage, and honor the nation’s spirit. I thank the artists for making this soundtrack extraordinary.”
G.V. Prakash Kumar, who co-composed the album, added, “Composing for ‘Emergency’ was a rewarding journey. The music embodies the spirit of an era of political upheaval and emotion, serving as a powerful narrative that captures the essence of those times.”
Amidst the festive atmosphere, Kangana also took the opportunity to address a pressing issue regarding the film’s clearance by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
. “Kayi tarah ki afwahein ud rahi hain ki humari film Emergency ko censor certificate mil gaya hai. It is not true. In fact, humari film clear ho gayi thi lekin uski certification rok li gayi hai kyuki bohot zyada dhamkiya aa rhi hain jaan se maar dene ki censor waalo ko” (There have been rumors circulating that my film Emergency has been certified by the Censor Board. This is not true. While our film did receive clearance from the CBFC, the certification was delayed due to numerous death threats against members of the censor board).
She further elaborated, “Toh humpe ye pressure hai ki Mrs. Gandhi ki assassination na dikhayein, Bhindrewala ko na dikhayein, Punjab riots na dikhayein. I don’t know ki fir kya dikhayein ki film achanak se black out ho jaati hai.” (This has put pressure on us not to depict the assassination of Mrs. Indira Gandhi, Bhindrawale, and the Punjab riots in the film. This raises the question – what can I actually show in the film? That the film blacks out all of a sudden.) This is an unbelievable time for me, and I am very sorry for the state of things in this country.”
‘Emergency’, written and directed by Kangana Ranaut, boasts a star-studded cast including Anupam Kher, Mahima Chaudhary, Milind Soman, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, and the late Satish Kaushik in pivotal roles. The film’s music, orchestrated by Sanchit Balhara along with G.V. Prakash Kumar, is complemented by a screenplay and dialogues penned by Ritesh Shah. Produced by Zee Studios and Manikarnika Films, ‘Emergency’ is slated for a theatrical release on the 6th of September 2024.
The journey of ‘Emergency’ from concept to completion has been fraught with challenges, but Kangana’s determination to bring this story to the big screen remains resolute. The music album stands as a testament to the collaborative effort of talented artists coming together to create a powerful narrative, and its launch at the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya will be remembered as a significant milestone in the journey of ‘Emergency’. The anticipation for the film’s release continues to build, as audiences eagerly await to witness this historical drama unfold on the silver screen.
