In a significant cultural event, celebrated Bollywood actress and filmmaker Kangana Ranaut launched the music album of her highly anticipated film ‘Emergency’ at the historical Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya in New Delhi. The event sought to set a historical tone for the movie, echoing the themes embedded in its storyline.
The ‘Emergency’ album, composed by the renowned musicians G.V. Prakash Kumar and Arko Pravo Mukherjee, with lyrics penned by Manoj Muntashir, encapsulates the essence of the transformative decade of the 1970s. It achieves this through a sophisticated array of powerful anthems intertwined with soulful melodies, each song serving as an ode to that momentous era.
The album opens with “Singhasan Khali Karo,” a robust anthem articulated by the stirring voices of Udit Narayan, Nakash Aziz, and Nakul Abhyankar. This song has swiftly struck a chord with the audience, resonating across generations. Its powerful lyrics demand attention, setting a formidable tone for the album.
Another notable track, “Ae Meri Jaan,” performed by the legendary Hariharan, offers a heart-touching ballad that captures the emotional undercurrents of the era. The album also features the rousing “Shankhnaad Kar,” a battle cry interpreted by Nakul Abhyankar, Neeti Mohan, and Romy, stirring a sense of resilience and courage amongst its listeners.
Complementing these anthems is the melodic “Beqarariyaan” by Monali Thakur, which juxtaposes wartime tension with a longing for peace. The album concludes with “Sarkar Ko Salaam Hai,” a tribute to leadership and governance rendered by Sree Ram Chandra. Each song is masterfully crafted to mirror the film’s central themes of power, resistance, and the undying human spirit, making the soundtrack not just a musical journey but a thematic portrayal of the ‘Emergency’ period.
At the launch event, Kangana Ranaut expressed her deep sense of honor in unveiling the album at the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, an institution that serves as a tribute to India’s Prime Ministers. She remarked, “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.”
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.V. Prakash Kumar, a significant contributor to the album, voiced his sentiments about the creative journey. “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,” he noted.
The event also took a moment to reflect on the challenges faced by the film regarding its certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Kangana Ranaut openly discussed the hurdles, stating, “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 revealed, “This has put pressure on us not to depict the assassination of Mrs. Indira Gandhi, Bhindranwale, 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.”
Moreover, ‘Emergency’ marks a significant venture for Kangana Ranaut, who not only stars in but also directs the film. The movie features a formidable cast including Anupam Kher, Mahima Chaudhary, Milind Soman, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, and the late Satish Kaushik in pivotal roles. The background score of the film is a collaborative effort between Sanchit Balhara and G.V. Prakash Kumar, with screenplay and dialogues by Ritesh Shah.
Produced by Zee Studios and Manikarnika Films, ‘Emergency’ is slated for theatrical release on September 6, 2024. The film promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of a turbulent period in India’s history, with its soundtrack serving as a dynamic companion to this ambitious cinematic project.
