India, June 25 -- June 25, 1975 is one of the most important dates in Indian political history. It was the first of the Emergency, which lasted for 21 months and affected the democratic institutions and civil liberties of the country. 51 years later, the time remains a subject of discussion and reflection. Hindi cinema has been a pivotal part in keeping these memories alive and films like these have been made that touch upon political instability, government control, public dissent and the resilience of common people in extraordinary situations.

How Hindi Cinema Captured the Political Turmoil of the 1975 Emergency

The first thing that was immediately evident in the art of filmmakers often facing severe backlash for their choices was the...