Indian Cinema and the 1975 Emergency: Films That Defied Censorship

The 1975 Emergency, declared by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, not only altered the political landscape of India but also cast a long shadow over its cultural and cinematic expression. This 21-month period, marked by severe censorship, silenced many voices, particularly in the film industry. During the Emergency, the Indian government implemented strict censorship rules that prohibited the portrayal of controversial content, especially any that could be perceived as critical of the ruling party.

Censorship During the Emergency:

The censorship rules during the Emergency were draconian. Filmmakers were restricted from showing liquor bottles, bloodshed, or more than six action sequences of ninety seconds each. Iconic singer Kishore Kumar’s songs were banned on All India Radio (AIR) simply because he refused to perform at a Congress rally in Mumbai. Filmmakers like Dev Anand, Vijay Anand, and Feroz Khan faced harassment, while the Films Division was co-opted to produce propaganda that praised the government’s policies.

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Gulzar’s ‘Aandhi’: A Classic Silenced:

One of the most notable films affected by the Emergency was Gulzar’s ‘Aandhi’. Released in February 1975, ‘Aandhi’ was a film that many believed was based on the life of Indira Gandhi, despite initial denials from Gulzar. The film, starring Suchitra Sen and Sanjeev Kumar, portrayed a female politician’s rise to power, a character many saw as a reflection of Indira Gandhi. Despite its popularity, the film was banned in July 1975 as the government feared it could influence the upcoming general elections. The ban was only lifted after Indira Gandhi lost power in 1977.

‘Kissa Kursi Ka’: A Film Destroyed:

Amrit Nahata’s ‘Kissa Kursi Ka’, another film caught in the crosshairs of censorship, faced an even harsher fate. Made in April 1975, the film was a satirical take on the political landscape of the time, particularly targeting Sanjay Gandhi, the son of Indira Gandhi. The government, fearing its impact, not only banned the film but also destroyed all its prints. Sanjay Gandhi and Vidya Charan Shukla, the then Minister of Information and Broadcasting, were later prosecuted for their roles in this act.

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‘Nasbandi’: A Satirical Take on Forced Sterilization:

IS Johar’s ‘Nasbandi’ was another film that faced the wrath of censorship during the Emergency. The film, a satirical portrayal of the government’s forced sterilization campaign, was banned shortly after its release. The campaign, initiated by Sanjay Gandhi, was highly controversial and led to widespread public outcry. The film’s lyrics, which criticized the government’s policies, struck a chord with the public, but it was too provocative for the government to allow its circulation.

The Struggle Continues:

Even decades after the Emergency, films that tackle politically sensitive subjects continue to face censorship challenges. Madhur Bhandarkar’s ‘Indu Sarkar’, set against the backdrop of the Emergency, was subjected to 14 cuts by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) before it could be released in 2017. The ongoing debate over Kangana Ranaut’s ‘Emergency’ only highlights the continuing struggle for freedom of expression in Indian cinema.

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The 1975 Emergency remains one of the darkest periods in Indian history, not just for its political implications but for the profound impact it had on the country’s cultural landscape. Films like ‘Aandhi’, ‘Kissa Kursi Ka’, and ‘Nasbandi’ stand as testaments to the resilience of Indian filmmakers who, despite facing severe censorship, found ways to tell their stories and critique the powers that be.

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