Kangana Ranaut’s film Emergency has hit fresh controversy after author Coomi Kapoor accused Manikarnika Films Private Limited and Netflix of “intentionally and maliciously distorting facts.”
In a legal notice, Kapoor claims the production house has “blatantly breached” their agreement by marketing the movie as being based on her book, The Emergency: A Personal History.
Contractual Safeguards & Artistic Freedom
Kapoor explains that she granted the filmmakers full creative liberty, but insisted on two non-negotiable clauses, drafted on her lawyer daughter’s advice:
“While the producers had full artistic freedom to create the film, nothing should be altered that contradicts historical facts that are publicly available,” Kapoor stated.
She also required explicit control over the use of her name and book, “The contract also stated that the author’s name and book could not be used for promoting or exploiting the film without prior written consent.”
Trusting the producers to honor these terms, Kapoor remained in Goa and did not screen the film before its release. Yet, she alleges, the team persists in claiming the project draws directly from her work.
At the contract stage, Kapoor was assured only a single chapter—covering former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi—would be referenced. She was therefore surprised to learn the movie’s title mirrored her own:
“This now appears to be a deliberate attempt on part of you to get traction for the said film, especially since it had been subject to uncomplimentary remarks,” her legal notice asserts.
Despite sending 2 separate notices, Kapoor reports no response from Kangana Ranaut or Manikarnika Films.
Historical Inaccuracies In Question
Beyond the contractual dispute, Kapoor highlights factual errors she believes undermine the film’s integrity. She points out that:
“Factually, the Emergency was not removed till after Mrs Indira Gandhi lost the general election in March 1977,”
a detail she says the movie misrepresents.
Demand For Remedies & Compensation
Citing “severe reputational, professional, emotional and financial damage,” Kapoor demands immediate compensation for the alleged misuse of her work and the resulting harm. Her notice warns:
“If you fail to comply, our client reserves the right to initiate legal proceedings to seek appropriate remedies for this egregious violation of her rights.”
Film Overview & Cast
Released on January 17, Emergency is both directed by and stars Kangana Ranaut as Indira Gandhi, dramatizing the 21-month state of emergency from 1975 to 1977, often called India’s darkest political period. The ensemble cast includes:
- Anupam Kher as Jayaprakash Narayan
- Shreyas Talpade as Atal Bihari Vajpayee
- Mahima Chaudhry as Pupul Jayakar
- Milind Soman as Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw
- Vishak Nair as Sanjay Gandhi
As Kapoor’s legal challenge unfolds, the dispute centers on the balance between artistic license and factual fidelity—raising questions about how history may be portrayed on screen without compromising contractual and authorial rights.
Read More: Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, States High Court, International
