Why were movies 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.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
All-Inclusive Cruise Offers – Book Now
Search7
Learn More
Undo
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.
Live Events
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
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
31 minutes ago
- Time of India
Samantha Ruth Prabhu enjoys a lunch date with Keerthy Suresh; shares pictures of her June dump
Picture Credit: Instagram Actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu recently delighted fans with a sweet surprise as she shared glimpses of what her month of June looked like. In one of the pictures, she is seen enjoying a special reunion lunch with Keerthy Suresh . On Sunday, the 'Kushi'actress took to Instagram to share snapshots from her June which were a mix of candid captures and cherished moments. The post kicked off with an adorable picture featuring Keerthy. In the photo, Samantha is seen pulling Keerthy in for a sweet side hug as the two share a light moment over dessert, specifically what looked like a fruit pudding. "Sat down for lunch, stood up at sunset," Samantha captioned her picture of the two. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ColorsTV (@colorstv) Fans were thrilled by this unexpected yet wholesome meet-up and quickly filled the comments section with love for the two stars. The rest of Samantha's photo dump included snaps of her gym workout, where she flaunted her strength and fitness goals. She also posted a still from her Take 20 podcast. In another snap, she could be seen enjoying red light therapy, a part of her holistic wellness routine. The actress is also seen donning a denim-blue dress in one frame, and a striking red outfit in another. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo One image featured Samantha sitting alone on a spacious balcony. The last photo in the dump looked like a concert night, with Samantha enjoying the music and vibe. Keerthy Suresh made her Bollywood debut last year in the 2024 film 'Baby John' opposite Varun Dhawan, playing a role originally portrayed by Samantha in the Tamil hit 'Theri'. In an earlier interview with Galatta India, Keerthy revealed that it was Samantha who had recommended her name to director Atlee for the role. On the professional front, Samantha is gearing up for her next venture — 'Rakht Brahmand: The Bloody Kingdom', an action-fantasy series by Raj & DK. She will be also seen in an action drama film, 'Bangaram'. On the other hand, Keerthy Suresh will next be seen in the Telugu comedy-drama 'Uppu Kappurambu'.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'Kuberaa' actor Rashmika Mandanna on her parents' initial hesitation about showbiz: "My dad wanted me in business, not films"
Actress Rashmika Mandanna recently opened up about her South Indian upbringing, her family's initial resistance to her film career, and the emotional journey that followed. "Dad wanted me to join his business" Rashmika shared with We The Women that she was never raised with acting as a career option in mind. Having completed her Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Psychology, and English Literature, she was equally drawn to the world of media. 'It would have been lovely either way,' she said when it was highlighted that she could have been a journalist. However, her father had other plans—he wanted her to join and support his business. Coming from a conservative South Indian family, the idea of entering the film industry was seen with suspicion and concern. 'They Were Just Being Protective' Speaking about her parents' mindset, Rashmika said, 'I think in South Indian families, at least back in the day, entering the film industry was considered wrong. They didn't understand how it worked.' As the only child for 16 years before her younger sister was born, Rashmika was especially precious to her parents. 'They were super possessive and protective,' she recalled with affection. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo Despite their worries, she eventually pursued acting, trusting her instincts. 'No One from My Community Had Entered Films' Rashmika's first paycheck brought mixed emotions back home. 'The conversations were not easy. No one in our co-community had ever been in films. I was the first, and some people were judgmental,' she admitted. Still, she credits her journey to destiny and her ever-supportive audience. 'Thanks to them, I'm here today,' she said, filled with gratitude. On the professional front, Rashmika was last seen in 'Kuberaa', opposite Dhanush, and Nagarjuna. Sidharth Malhotra, Rashmika Mandana attend Mission Majnu trailer launch
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Janhvi Kapoor supports Varun Dhawan's plea to respect privacy during grief following Shefali Jariwala's death
Following Shefali Jariwala's sudden death, actor Varun Dhawan called for respect and privacy for her family during their moments of grief, asking paparazzi to be sensitive. Now, his Bawaal co-star Janhvi Kapoor has come out in support of his appeal. Also read: Priyanka Chopra is 'so shook' by Shefali Jariwala's death, sends condolences to Parag Tyagi, family: 'She was too young' Janhvi took to Instagram to share Varun Dhawan's plea after the death of Shefali Jariwala. On Sunday, Varun took to Instagram to ask the paparazzi to be sensitive while covering the death of a celebrity. He wrote, 'Again, one more passing of a soul being insensitively covered by the media. I just don't understand why do u have to cover someone's grief. Everyone looks so uncomfortable with this. How is this benefiting anyone? & my request to my friends in the media, this isn't the way someone would want their final journey covered.' While Varun did not directly name anyone in his post, the actor's note came right after Shefali's death. Janhvi also took to Instagram to show her support for his message. In his message, Varun asked media to show more sensitivity during moments of grief, and added that this isn't the way someone would want their last journey to be covered. And Janhvi Kapoor agreed with Varun's post. Janhvi shared Varun's plea on her Instagram Stories, where he asked the media to give families space and respect their privacy during times of grief. Along with the post, Janhvi wrote, 'Finally someone said it', supporting his call for respectful coverage. Janhvi's Insta Story. About Shefali Jariwala's death On June 27, Shefali was rushed to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital by her husband, Parag Tyagi, reportedly after suffering a cardiac arrest. However, she was declared dead on arrival, according to news agency PTI. The Mumbai Police sent her body for post-mortem to ascertain the cause of death. After the autopsy, police officials revealed that the cause of death has been 'reserved'. From Mika Singh, Sunidhi Chauhan to her Bigg Boss 13 co-participants Shehnaaz Gill, Mahira Sharma, Paras Chhabra, Hindustani Bhau, Arti Singh and Rashami Desai — many expressed shock and also paid their last respects at her funeral on Saturday. Parag immersed Shefali's ashes in the sea on Sunday.
