Kangana Ranaut has made waves yet again with her bold commentary on the film industry, this time targeting the Oscars. The actress claimed that films showcasing India in a negative light are often favoured by the prestigious awards body.
“Usually, the agenda they push for India is very different. The films they pick are anti-India. Even now, a film that is garnering praise—I was very excited about it initially—had the director saying that in India, you don’t have the freedom to love due to religious intolerance. I haven’t even seen the film,” Kangana said.
She further elaborated, “For the Oscars, it has to be a film that makes the country look bad. Slumdog Millionaire is one such example. It always has to be a film that portrays the country as a ‘s**thole.’”
Kangana also spoke about her own film, Emergency, which she believes challenges these norms. “Emergency is not that film. The West is ready to see how India stands today. I’ve never cared about these awards—Indian or Western. This film is brilliantly made and is as good as any international project. But I understand how geopolitics works, and as nationalists, we don’t have much hope with these award functions.”
About Emergency
Directed by and starring Kangana Ranaut, Emergency is a biographical action-drama set during the tumultuous 21-month Emergency period in India from 1975 to 1977. Kangana portrays former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the film, which delves into the political and social upheaval of the era.
The cast also includes Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, Mahima Chaudhry, Milind Soman, and the late Satish Kaushik in pivotal roles. Following multiple delays, the film is now slated for release on 17 January.
As always, Kangana’s outspoken remarks have sparked debate, with audiences eager to see whether Emergency can defy both awards politics and box office expectations.
