From Emergency to Aandhi: Films Inspired by Indira Gandhi’s Life That Stirred Controversy
Kangana Ranaut’s upcoming film Emergency delves into the infamous period of the Emergency in India and has recently faced hurdles with the censor board. But long before Emergency, numerous political films—particularly those inspired by the life of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi—have encountered objections from politicians and faced backlash.
Politics and cinema are often intertwined, with both fields known for their high-stakes drama. The tradition of making films based on political themes has deep roots in the industry. Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency is the latest example, but it’s not the first to be delayed due to political uproar. Over the years, several films in Hindi cinema that explored the life and times of India’s former Prime Minister have courted controversy, whether they irked politicians, audiences, or specific groups. Let’s revisit some of these films.
Kissa Kursi Ka
Featuring Shabana Azmi, Raj Babbar, and Surekha Sikri, Kissa Kursi Ka is one of the most controversial political satires in Hindi cinema. Directed by Amrit Nahata, the film was completed in 1974 but got entangled in the political turmoil of the time. With the Emergency being declared in 1975, its release was delayed, and the government reportedly demanded several cuts. In fact, the movie’s prints were seized. After much struggle, Kissa Kursi Ka eventually released in 1978, but it remained a topic of heated political debate.
Aandhi
Released during the Emergency, Aandhi—starring Sanjeev Kumar and Suchitra Sen—also faced significant resistance. The film, directed by Gulzar, was said to bear a resemblance to the relationship between Indira Gandhi and her husband, sparking controversy. It was only after Indira Gandhi’s defeat in the 1977 elections that Aandhi was allowed to hit the screens, gaining a reputation for its bold narrative.
Indu Sarkar
Before Kangana’s Emergency, Madhur Bhandarkar’s Indu Sarkar made headlines for depicting the events of the 1975 Emergency. The film faced stiff opposition from the Congress party, which strongly objected to its portrayal of historical events. However, unlike other films, Indu Sarkar was not delayed and successfully released in 2017, though it did stir up political tension.
Emergency
Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency was originally slated for release on September 6 but has hit a roadblock with the censor board. Additionally, some members of the Sikh community have filed a petition against the film, claiming that it portrays the Sikh community in a negative light. As a result, the movie’s release has been postponed indefinitely.
Other Bollywood films, such as Bellbottom, Sam Bahadur, and Raid, have also depicted Indira Gandhi on-screen. However, since these portrayals were in positive or supporting roles, they largely avoided controversy, with their storylines keeping them clear of political turbulence.
In summary, while cinema has long been a medium for exploring political narratives, films that draw inspiration from the life of Indira Gandhi have often found themselves mired in controversy, sparking debates over artistic freedom and historical representation.