LATEST IN NEWS
Author of ‘Emergency’ Sues Manikarnika Films for Alleged Breach of Contract
Updated on: 23 April, 2025 09:49 AM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Kangana Ranaut from Emergency
A legal storm is brewing around the film "Emergency", with acclaimed author Coomi Kapoor taking legal action against Manikarnika Films Pvt Ltd, owned by actor Kangana Ranaut’s family, and streaming giant Netflix. The dispute centres on alleged contract violations and reputational damage stemming from the film`s portrayal of historical events. The film, directed and co-produced by Ranaut, features her in the challenging role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during one of India`s most tumultuous political periods.
A tripartite contract was subsequently signed involving Kapoor, Manikarnika Films, and Kapoor`s publisher, Penguin. Crucially, acting on legal advice, Kapoor included two specific clauses: one ensuring that artistic licence did not distort historical facts and another stipulating that her name and book couldn`t be used for promotion without her written consent. Kapoor alleges both clauses were breached.
Kapoor claims she was never shown the final script. The film initially opened with a disclaimer stating it was "inspired by the book The Emergency... apart from materials available in the public domain." However, the disclaimer displayed on Netflix states the film is "based on" Kapoor`s book and another work. Kapoor contends this change, coupled with alleged historical inaccuracies, misrepresents her work.
Several points of contention have been raised regarding the film`s accuracy. For instance, Kapoor highlights that the film depicts politician Akbar Ahmad (Dumpy) as responsible for banning Kishore Kumar`s songs on All India Radio, whereas her book attributes this action to the then Information and Broadcasting Minister, V.C. Shukla.
Other alleged inaccuracies cited in legal notices include the portrayal of Mrs. Gandhi threatening President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed into declaring the Emergency and the depiction of journalist Nikhil Chakravarty`s arrest under MISA.
Also Read: Salman Khan To Hrithik Roshan, 8 Times Kangana Ranaut Slammed Bollywood Biggies
Manikarnika Films countered Kapoor’s lawyers on April 10, arguing that her book wasn`t the sole source and they had no obligation for script approval, claiming Kapoor had granted them “absolute and complete intellectual property rights”.
Netflix maintains that "Emergency" is a licensed title, and their contract for the film isn`t directly with Ms. Kapoor. Despite the legal challenges, the disclaimer on Netflix reportedly remains unchanged.
Also Read: Kangana Ranaut On Not Working With Good Friend Salman Khan: We Had Chances But..
The Core of the Conflict
At the heart of the lawsuit is Kapoor`s book, The Emergency: A Personal History, published in 2015. This work provides a detailed account based on her experiences and research during the 21-month Emergency period starting in June 1975. According to Kapoor, Kangana’s brother, Aksht Ranaut, representing Manikarnika Films, approached her in 2021 to acquire rights to draw from a specific chapter concerning Indira Gandhi for their film.A tripartite contract was subsequently signed involving Kapoor, Manikarnika Films, and Kapoor`s publisher, Penguin. Crucially, acting on legal advice, Kapoor included two specific clauses: one ensuring that artistic licence did not distort historical facts and another stipulating that her name and book couldn`t be used for promotion without her written consent. Kapoor alleges both clauses were breached.
Kapoor claims she was never shown the final script. The film initially opened with a disclaimer stating it was "inspired by the book The Emergency... apart from materials available in the public domain." However, the disclaimer displayed on Netflix states the film is "based on" Kapoor`s book and another work. Kapoor contends this change, coupled with alleged historical inaccuracies, misrepresents her work.
Several points of contention have been raised regarding the film`s accuracy. For instance, Kapoor highlights that the film depicts politician Akbar Ahmad (Dumpy) as responsible for banning Kishore Kumar`s songs on All India Radio, whereas her book attributes this action to the then Information and Broadcasting Minister, V.C. Shukla.
Other alleged inaccuracies cited in legal notices include the portrayal of Mrs. Gandhi threatening President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed into declaring the Emergency and the depiction of journalist Nikhil Chakravarty`s arrest under MISA.
Also Read: Salman Khan To Hrithik Roshan, 8 Times Kangana Ranaut Slammed Bollywood Biggies
Legal Recourse and Responses
After receiving no response to legal notices sent on April 3, Kapoor proceeded with the lawsuit. "The damage caused to my reputation as a journalist and author is irretrievable,” says Kapoor. She discovered the alleged distortions only after watching the film upon its Netflix release on March 17, having missed its theatrical run.Manikarnika Films countered Kapoor’s lawyers on April 10, arguing that her book wasn`t the sole source and they had no obligation for script approval, claiming Kapoor had granted them “absolute and complete intellectual property rights”.
Netflix maintains that "Emergency" is a licensed title, and their contract for the film isn`t directly with Ms. Kapoor. Despite the legal challenges, the disclaimer on Netflix reportedly remains unchanged.
Also Read: Kangana Ranaut On Not Working With Good Friend Salman Khan: We Had Chances But..
ADVERTISEMENT
What do you enjoy the most when it rains?
ADVERTISEMENT
