In a historical convergence of music and film, Kangana Ranaut launched the much-anticipated music album for her upcoming film ‘Emergency’ at the iconic Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya in New Delhi. The event brought together key contributors to the album, which is composed by musical maestros G.V. Prakash Kumar and Arko Pravo Mukherjee, and features lyrics penned by the celebrated Manoj Muntashir. The soundtrack aims to invoke the spirit of the 1970s with a dynamic mix of stirring anthems and soulful melodies, effectively setting the stage for the cinematic storytelling of Emergency.
The ‘Emergency’ album boasts a collection of tracks designed to echo the thematic undercurrents of power, resistance, and the resilience of the human spirit that form the backbone of the film’s narrative. One of the standout pieces is the commanding anthem ‘Singhasan Khali Karo.’ Sung by Udit Narayan, Nakash Aziz, and Nakul Abhyankar, the track has already resonated with audiences, drawing them into the period of political upheaval the film seeks to portray.
The album also includes the poignant ballad ‘Ae Meri Jaan’ sung by the legendary Hariharan. This heart-touching song stands as a testament to personal sacrifice and emotional depth during tumultuous times. Complementing this is the rousing ‘Shankhnaad Kar,’ an invigorating battle cry performed by Nakul Abhyankar, Neeti Mohan, and Romy, which seeks to inspire and energize listeners in tune with the movie’s essence.
Additionally, the melodious ‘Beqarariyaan’ rendered by Monali Thakur provides a reflective, almost haunting narrative of longing and restlessness. The soundtrack rounds off with ‘Sarkar Ko Salaam Hai,’ a tribute to leadership, powerfully delivered by Sree Ram Chandra. These tracks collectively offer a rich and evocative auditory experience that captures the zeitgeist of the 1970s, perfectly mirroring the turbulent era the film chronicles.
Kangana Ranaut made a passionate speech at the album launch, expressing her gratitude and enthusiasm for the project. “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,” she remarked, emphasizing the album’s role in deepening the historical context of the film.
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.V. Prakash Kumar, one of the album’s composers, shared his thoughts on the creative journey, noting, “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.” His comments echo the album’s ambition to be more than just a collection of songs but a crucial element that propels the story forward with its rich composition.
Apart from the musical celebration, Kangana Ranaut addressed an ongoing challenge regarding the CBFC certification of the film. In her candid remarks, she clarified, “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.”
Revealing the pressures faced by the production, she added, “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 unbelievable time for me, and I am very sorry for the state of things in this country.”
‘Written and directed by Kangana Ranaut, ‘Emergency’ stars an ensemble cast including Anupam Kher, Mahima Chaudhary, Milind Soman, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, and the late Satish Kaushik. The production is backed by Zee Studios and Manikarnika Films, with music orchestrated by Sanchit Balhara and G.V. Prakash Kumar. The engaging screenplay and dialogues are crafted by Ritesh Shah.
Set to hit theaters on September 6, 2024, ‘Emergency’ is poised to be a film that not only revisits a crucial chapter in India’s history but also brings it to life with a potent blend of compelling music and captivating performances. Kangana Ranaut’s vision for the film, combined with the evocative soundtrack, continues to build anticipation among fans and critics alike for what promises to be a cinematic milestone.
As the launch event concluded, the resonance of the music, underscored by the gravity of the period it represents, left attendees with a profound appreciation of how art can encapsulate history, poignantly reminding us of the strength and resilience that define the human spirit.
