Sat Jan 18 15:08:26 UTC 2025: ## Kangana Ranaut’s “Emergency” Sees Strongest Opening in Five Years Despite Controversy

**NEW DELHI** – Kangana Ranaut’s directorial debut, “Emergency,” opened to a modest but significant ₹2.35 crore (approximately $285,000 USD) on its first day, marking her highest opening-day box office collection in five years. While the figure falls short of her pre-pandemic highs, it surpasses the opening-day earnings of her recent films, including “Tejas” (₹1.25 crore), “Dhaakad” (₹1.20 crore), and “Thalaivii” (₹1.46 crore). Only her 2020 film “Panga” boasted a higher opening day at ₹2.70 crore.

The film, a political drama depicting the 21-month period of India’s Emergency (1975-1977) and starring Ranaut as Indira Gandhi, has been embroiled in controversy. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), a Sikh religious organization, issued legal notices and protested the film, alleging misrepresentation of the Sikh community and demanding a ban. These protests led to several cinemas in Punjab refusing to screen “Emergency,” necessitating police deployment at various locations.

Despite the controversy and limited screenings in some areas, Ranaut hailed the opening as a success, characterizing the SGPC’s actions as harassment of “art and the artist.” The film’s performance will be closely watched in the coming days to determine its overall box office success amid the ongoing debate.

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