Sat Jan 18 03:03:03 UTC 2025: ## Kangana Ranaut’s ‘Emergency’ Surpasses Box Office Expectations on Opening Day
**Mumbai, January 18** – Kangana Ranaut’s directorial debut, “Emergency,” opened to a better-than-expected ₹2.35 crore net on its first day in Indian theaters, exceeding initial industry predictions. While the film’s release generated significant buzz thanks to its controversial subject matter and Ranaut’s star power, box office experts had forecast a more modest opening day collection of ₹1.50-₹2 crore. The actual figure represents a 36% increase over these projections.
The film, a political drama centered on the 1975 Indian Emergency under Indira Gandhi’s rule, features a strong ensemble cast including Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Mahima Chaudhary, and Milind Soman. Despite a relatively low-key promotional campaign, the film’s performance suggests Ranaut’s star power continues to draw audiences.
However, “Emergency” has received mixed reviews. While some hailed the film as a masterpiece and praised Ranaut’s direction and Kher’s performance, others criticized its focus, arguing it veered too heavily into a Indira Gandhi biopic, losing sight of the broader context of the Emergency itself. Online reactions were similarly divided, with some praising the film’s quality and others finding it average or incomplete.
“Emergency” faced competition from another new release, Ajay Devgn’s “Azaad,” which earned ₹1.50 crore on its opening day. The coming days will reveal whether “Emergency” can maintain its initial momentum and overcome mixed critical reception.
First Piper 