Bollywood’s lens on the Emergency

The Indian Emergency (1975–77), declared by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, remains one of the most turbulent and controversial periods in the country’s post-Independence political history. It witnessed the suspension of civil liberties, widespread censorship, and state-sanctioned authoritarianism. Over the decades, Indian filmmakers have revisited this era to explore themes of resistance, power, and political manipulation through powerful storytelling and sharp commentary.

Here’s a look at some of the bold Bollywood films that dared to dive into this chapter of India’s past, each offering a unique lens on a time when democracy itself stood still.

History retold

Emergency (2025)

Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency is the latest and one of the most ambitious films to depict this politically volatile period. Playing the role of Indira Gandhi, Ranaut presents a dramatised portrayal of the then Prime Minister. The film delves deep into themes of absolute power, fear, and political resistance.

Action and spectacle

Baadshaho (2017)

While more commercial in tone, Baadshaho uses the Emergency as a backdrop for a high-octane heist drama. Starring Ajay Devgn, Emraan Hashmi, Ileana D’Cruz and others, the film spins a fictional tale around the seizure of royal treasures during the Emergency. It offers action and spectacle, with glimpses of the unchecked power exercised during that era, albeit through a masala film format.

Social trauma

Indu Sarkar (2017)

Madhur Bhandarkar’s Indu Sarkar explores the Emergency through the eyes of a timid woman, played by Kirti Kulhari, who finds the courage to speak up against an oppressive regime. Featuring performances by Anupam Kher, Tota Roy Chowdhury and Neil Nitin Mukesh, the film highlights the emotional and social trauma of the time while drawing from real events. Bhandarkar’s signature style of dramatising real-world issues is evident in Indu Sarkar. Cost of revolution

Hazaaron Khwahishen Aisi (2005)

Sudhir Mishra’s Hazaaron Khwahishen Aisi is a poignant narrative set during the Emergency that follows the lives of three idealistic young Indians, played by Kay Kay Menon, Chitrangada Singh and Shiney Ahuja whose lives are shaped and shattered by the political upheaval.

Dark satire

Nasbandi (1978)

Nasbandi, directed by IS Johar, is a direct satire on the infamous forced sterilisation drive that became a hallmark of the Emergency regime. Using lookalikes of Bollywood’s top stars of the time, the film mocked government propaganda and its invasive control over citizens’ bodies and choices. Though it was banned upon release, Nasbandi found cult status later for its audacity and dark humour.

Power play

Kissa Kursi Ka (1978)

One of the most controversial films on this subject, Kissa Kursi Ka took a scathing satirical jab at Sanjay Gandhi’s automobile project and the political power play of the time. It was biting in its critique of political opportunism and autocratic governance. The film was banned, and all prints were reportedly destroyed by the authorities.

Personal touch

Aandhi (1975)

Another powerful film that became synonymous with the Emergency era is Gulzar’s Aandhi, starring Sanjeev Kumar and Suchitra Sen. The film, which portrays the life of a female politician, was widely speculated to be inspired by Indira Gandhi, though Gulzar denied this. The film was banned during the Emergency but re-released after its withdrawal.

Entertainment