Pahlaj Nihalani lauds Madhur Bhandarkar’s ‘Indu Sarkar’ for unveiling a ‘shameful chapter’

The trailer of Madhur Bhandarkar’s political drama ‘Indu Sarkar‘ took the internet by storm. However, as it has loud and understandable references to the Gandhi family (without naming them), we wondered if the film would be stuck amid objections and censor complications. But CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani rather finds the film an appreciable effort.

“I saw Madhur’s trailer, and I want to congratulate him for blowing the lid off on one of the most shameful chapters of Indian politics. This was a time when the nation was put in the most embarrassing spotlight in the global arena. Many of our biggest leaders had to go to jail during the Emergency. Indian people’s morale had hit rock-bottom,” he told a new agency, while praising the trailer. (Also Read: Anupam Kher’s film on ex-PM Manmohan Singh is already on Pahlaj Nihalani’s radar!)

If not from the CBFC, are there chances that ‘Indu Sarkar’ will face demur from the Gandhi clan? Especially when, as per rules, a film on true incidents can be made only after obtaining an NOC from the relevant people?

“‘Indu Sarkar’ does not name anyone. There is no mention of Mrs Indira Gandhi or Sanjay Gandhi or anyone else in the trailer. You are only presuming the film is about the people you mention because of the physical resemblance. I didn’t hear anyone’s name mentioned in the trailer. If they are mentioned in the film, we’ll see. At the moment, I am glad someone has made a film on the Emergency. It is a ‘kaala dhabba’ (black spot) in our political history,” Nihalani answers.

We can probably expect a smooth release for the film then!

Starring Neil Nitin Mukesh, Kirti Kulhari, Anupam Kher and Tota Roy Chowdhury in pivotal roles, ‘Indu Sarkar’ hits the screens on 20th July.

Ranjini Maitra

Journalist. Writer. Reader. Enthu cutlet. Mood-swing machine. Day dreamer. Sandwiched between ‘live life fully’ and ‘lose some weight’. Mantra of life: Love and love more.