In a candid revelation, actress and filmmaker Kangana Ranaut has openly admitted that directing her latest project, "Emergency," was perhaps not the best decision. The film delves into the tumultuous period of India's history when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency in 1975.

Kangana expressed her reservations about her choice to helm the project and opt for a theatrical release. Speaking to News18, she shared, "I felt that I made the wrong choices on many levels: firstly, wanting to direct this film. I thought I'd be able to get away by making a film on Emergency." The actress further elaborated on her initial fears, particularly around the film's release, stating, "I was scared. I felt that it was a wrong decision to release it in theatres. I thought I could have gotten a better deal on OTT." This decision was influenced by the extensive scrutiny from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the potential for the film's content to be dissected and censored, something she felt could have been avoided with a direct-to-OTT release.

"Emergency" faced numerous hurdles, including delays due to censorship challenges, which Kangana highlighted as part of her learning curve in this venture. The film features a stellar cast including Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, and the late Satish Kaushik, among others, and is set to release on January 17, 2025. Kangana also touched upon the historical context of the film, comparing it to previous movies like "Kissa Kursi Ka," which was banned and its prints destroyed, underscoring the sensitivity of portraying such a controversial period.

Her admission reflects a broader conversation about the challenges filmmakers face in dealing with sensitive political narratives, especially when it involves directorial decisions and the choice between theatrical and streaming platforms. Kangana's experience with "Emergency" provides insight into the complexities of filmmaking in India, where historical and political subjects must navigate through both censorship and public perception.

As "Emergency" prepares for its theatrical release, Kangana's reflections offer a glimpse into the personal and professional considerations that influence such ambitious projects. Whether her film will resonate with audiences or if her regrets will overshadow its reception remains to be seen. However, her honesty about her directorial journey adds another layer to the narrative of this much-anticipated film.