1745402423481Author vs. Adaptation: Commi Kapoor’s Legal Fight for Historical Accuracy

 

When a meticulously researched book inspires a film that distorts its history, the consequences can be far-reaching. Seasoned journalist Coomi Kapoor is experiencing this firsthand as she takes on Manikarnika Films and Netflix in a lawsuit over historical inaccuracies in Kangana Ranaut's film, Emergency. 

Kapoor's 2015 book, The Emergency: A Personal History, was cited as inspiration, but she claims it was used in a way that defames her. This case raises important questions about historical filmmaking, artistic license, and the responsibility for accuracy.

 

Kapoor’s Fight for Accuracy

 

Journalist Coomi Kapoor is taking legal action against Manikarnika Films and Netflix, stating that the film Emergency distorts her book on the Emergency years of 1975–77. It claims to be based on her book, but the movie was made under the gun of a contract prohibition against historical inaccuracies, says the Kangana Ranaut-directed film. 

On 3rd April 2025, Kapoor revealed six inaccuracies, which included the mistaken portrayal of journalist Nikhil Chakravarty as jailed. They could have avoided these errors if they had taken the time to read the book, she told the press. 

 

Contract Violations Exposed 

 

In 2021, Kapoor entered a tripartite agreement with Penguin and Manikarnika Films, permitting them to utilize only one chapter on Indira Gandhi, prohibiting factual displacement and Unauthorized endorsement of names. However, she was never shown the Script at all, despite sending WhatsApp messages about this to producer Aksht Ranaut in 2023. On the other hand, the Netflix disclaimer remains outdated despite having two legal notices. 

 

From a Legal Perspective:

 

This has a lot to do with contractual interpretation, says Priya Menon, an intellectual property lawyer working in the media. If the makers have violated any clauses, it can result in considerable penalties, not only against Netflix but also against the film's distributors, Manikarnika.

 

Particular Beneath the Actual History 

 

Kapoor’s book explains that Kishore Kumar’s songs were banned not because of Minister V.C. Shukla, but due to Akbar Ahmed’s relationship with Sanjay Gandhi. The book also highlights another scene in the film that inaccurately depicts the end of the Emergency by intertwining it with the 1977 elections. 

Emergency is not the first film to be shrouded in allegations of historical dishonesty:

  • Panipat (2019): Maratha communities protested against the depiction of Sadashivrao Bhau. 

  • Padmaavat (2018): Rajput groups condemned supposed twists of Rani Padmini.

 

Reflections on Truth in Cinema 

 

Coomi Kapoor vs. Manikarnika Films and Netflix highlights the importance of historical accuracy in the film industry. Kapoor is attempting to save her reputation by citing the inaccuracy and contractual breach of Emergency and initiating a debate about responsibility in cinema.