Kangana Ranaut’s journey with political biopics has been met with critical acclaim for her performances but disappointing box office outcomes. Both Thalaivii (2021) and Emergency (2025) were ambitious projects rooted in Indian political history, showcasing Kangana’s dedication to portraying powerful, real-life figures. However, their lacklustre box office receptions highlight a recurring challenge with the genre.
Political biopics aren’t working: Is it time for Kangana Ranaut to move beyond them to reclaim her audience?
Political biopics naturally cater to a niche audience. Unlike mass entertainers, they often focus on historical accuracy and layered storytelling, which may not resonate with the broader audience seeking escapism in cinema. While Thalaivii highlighted the life of J. Jayalalithaa, a figure predominantly revered in Tamil Nadu, its Hindi version struggled to find a foothold, earning just Rs. 1.45 crore. Similarly, Emergency, despite a gripping portrayal of Indira Gandhi and the Indian Emergency, garnered Rs. 8.7 crore in its opening weekend and is projected to fold around Rs. 20 crore, far below expectations for a high-profile film.
The genre-specific constraints of political dramas contribute significantly to their limited appeal. These films often lack the commercial elements like romance, humor, or high-octane action that draw audiences en masse. Their narrative depth, while appreciated by critics, may alienate the general viewer who prefers fast-paced, easily digestible content. Additionally, movies with political themes inherently risk alienating sections of the audience due to ideological differences. In an era of heightened political awareness, viewers may avoid films that appear to lean towards a particular narrative, further shrinking the potential audience base.
In an exclusive chat with Bollywood Hungama, veteran trade analyst Taran Adarsh said that although Kangana has done political roles, she is not the only one who can be blamed for it. “I feel not pinpointing towards only Kangana’s films but in general there has been an overdose of political films and films that have raked up several issues from the past. Once in a while is okay but if it becomes a regular practice with filmmakers to make those kinds of films, somewhere the saturation point comes in. I am not saying that Kangana is only making that kind of films,” he said.
Adarsh pointed out that although he liked Emergency, it’s difficult to expect the same from those who haven’t lived in that era. “When I saw Emergency, I really liked it because I have seen that era of Emergency, though I was a kid at that point of time,” he said. “I heard stories and incidents when I was growing up also. There were certain episodes in the film that brought back memories. But how many of us would be interested in knowing about the dark chapter of history after 45-50 years? I think that is where the problem arises. If it’s a recent incident, yes. But if it goes back 50 years from now, then it becomes a problem as people don’t want to go so much into the past.”
Compounding this issue is the challenge of competing with mainstream entertainment. The performance of political biopics is often overshadowed by mainstream entertainers and franchises, which dominate screens and capture audience attention. Reflecting on the same, Adarsh added, “Statistics also show that a masala entertainer like Pushpa 2 will take a massive start. On the other hand, a realistic film will have its limitations. That becomes a problem.”
Kangana has proven her versatility with movies like Queen and Tanu Weds Manu Returns, which showcased her prowess in relatable, universal stories. Moving away from political biopics would allow her to reconnect with a wider audience base. Her ability to bring life to complex characters remains unparalleled, but choosing scripts with broader emotional resonance could ensure greater box office success.
To regain her box office dominance, Kangana could focus on projects that balance critical acclaim with commercial viability. Exploring genres like family dramas, romantic comedies, or thrillers, which traditionally perform well across demographics, would be a strategic choice. Collaborating with established directors known for delivering hits in universally appealing genres could further enhance her reach. Steering clear of overtly political or ideologically charged themes would help Kangana attract a broader, more diverse audience.
While Thalaivii and Emergency cement Kangana’s reputation as a powerhouse performer, they also underline the commercial challenges of political dramas. By realigning her choices towards universally resonant stories, Kangana can ensure her talent reaches a larger audience, solidifying her place as one of the industry’s most versatile stars.
Adarsh also believes that the actress surely has a chance of bouncing back because there has never been any doubt about her skills and talent. “She has been a very versatile actor all these years,” he said. “She has done really well in certain roles. I would prefer to see her in a film like Queen or Tanu Weds Manu. She has scored brownie points in those characters. She is a brilliant actress. I have always said this right from her initial films like Gangster and Woh Lamhe. She has always proved herself as an actress. She is a very powerful actress. I think she should continue doing different kinds of roles.”
More Pages: Emergency Box Office Collection , Emergency Movie Review
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