Author threatens to sue ‘Emergency’ producer over ‘breach of contract’ and misuse of book

NEW DELHI: Journalist and author Coomi Kapoor, known for her book The Emergency, has decided to take legal action against the producers of the film Emergency (Manikarnika Films Pvt Ltd — owned by actress-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut’s family) and streaming platform Netflix, for allegedly breaching a contract and damaging her reputation.

Kapoor said the film, which stars Kangana Ranaut and Anupam Kher, contains inaccuracies. Despite her objections, the movie still carries the credit line — “based on Coomi Kapoor’s book; The Emergency” — on Netflix.

She had raised her concerns with Aksht Ranaut, a representative of Manikarnika Films, but received no response.

“I sent two legal notices mentioning the inaccuracies in the film, but didn’t get a proper reply. So I’ve now decided to approach the Delhi High Court and take legal action against the producers and Netflix,” Kapoor said.

She stated that Aksht had approached her in Mumbai in 2021 to discuss acquiring the rights to her book. Later, a three-party agreement was signed between Manikarnika Films, the book’s publisher, and herself.

As per the contract, her name and book title were not to be used for marketing or promoting the film without her prior written approval. She also claimed that she was never shown the film’s script.

Kangana Ranaut, Aksht Ranaut, Manikarnika Films, and Netflix did not respond when asked for their side. However, sources from the OTT platform said the film is a licensed production and was not originally made by Netflix.

Kapoor added that even before the film was completed, fearing it might misrepresent her work, she sent Aksht two WhatsApp messages after he failed to take her calls.