Why were films like Aandhi, Nasbandi and more silenced during Indira Gandhi’s Emergency era?

The 21 months of Emergency in India (1975–1977) not only restricted civil liberties but also imposed strict censorship on cinema and the arts. Many films, whether finished or still being made, were blocked, banned, or edited heavily during this time. Here's a look at some of them:

1. Aandhi

Gulzar’s 1975 film Aandhi was banned soon after its release. Many believed it was based on Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s life, especially because the lead character, Aarti Devi (played by Suchitra Sen), had similar looks, including a white streak in her hair.

Though the makers said it was purely fictional, the government stopped its screening. It was allowed back after the Emergency ended.

2. Kissa Kursi Ka

This bold political satire by Amrit Nahata took direct aim at the ruling powers. Its main character, Gangaram, was believed to be based on Sanjay Gandhi.

The film’s negatives were reportedly destroyed by officials, and the Information and Broadcasting Minister at the time, VC Shukla, was involved in confiscating its prints.

Nahata later re-shot the film in 1978, but even this version faced issues with censorship.

3. Andolan

Directed by Lekh Tandon, this film focused on the Quit India Movement of 1942. The story follows a teacher who leads a rebellion against British rule.

During the Emergency, the censors flagged it for its political content, delaying its release.

4. Chanda Marutha

This Kannada film was based on the play Kranthi Bantu Kranthi by P Lankesh. Directed by Pattabhi Rama Reddy, it starred his wife Snehlata Reddy.

Snehlata was jailed during the Emergency and tragically died five days after being released on parole.

Though the film itself faced obstacles, its backstory became symbolic of the times.

5. Nasbandi

Directed by I S Johar, this film poked fun at the forced sterilisation drive during the Emergency. It used lookalikes of big stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor, and Rajesh Khanna to tell its story.

The film was banned for mocking the government’s unpopular programme. It was finally released in 1978, after the Emergency ended.

6. Kranti ki Tarangein (Waves of Revolution)

This was a powerful documentary by Anand Patwardhan, made in 1975 when he was just 25. It followed the early days of the JP Movement and its transformation into a national protest against the government.

Though it was never formally released, underground groups widely circulated it during the Emergency as mainstream media was tightly controlled.

Inputs from PTI