During the emergency, Indu's husband, a government employee, plans to use the situation to his advantage and move ahead in his career. However, Indu's sense of morality sets her on a different path.
Indu Sarkar includes a recreated version of Aziz Nazan's popular qawwali, Chadhta Sooraj Dheere Dheere Dhal Jaayega.[10] Rashmi Jha was signed for the role of Farzana, which is inspired by socialite Rukhsana Sultana.[11]
Release
The film was released at around 825 screens across India.[12]
Critical reception
The film garnered mixed reviews from critics. Nitin Bhave of Times of India praised the film for its acting performances and gave the film 3 out of 5 stars.[13]Rajeev Masand of News18 gave 2 stars by saying "This is at Best an Average Movie".[14]Hindustan Times criticised the director's confused narrative by giving 2 stars.[15] Giving 2 stars Indian Express also panned the film by saying "A watered-down, bloodless version of the Emergency".[16]
Controversy
The film generated controversy since the time its trailer got released up until it was shown in the theatres.[17]Indian National Congress supporters heavily criticised the director Bhandarkar's attempt to portray former Prime Minister of IndiaMrs.Indira Gandhi and her son Sanjay Gandhi in a bad light.[18] However, the director clarified that it was not a biopic on former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi under whose regime the Emergency was declared in the country in 1975.[19][20] Sanjay Gandhi's alleged daughter Priya Singh Paul approached the Bombay High Court seeking a stay on the film.[21] However, Bombay High Court rejected the plea after Paul failed to present solid evidence of her association with the lineage of Sanjay Gandhi.[22] Just two days before the release Paul moved the Supreme Court seeking a stay on the release of the movie after Bombay High Court dismissed her plea.[23][24] The Supreme Court also refused to stay the release of the film and quoted it as "The movie is an artistic expression within the parameters of law."[25][26]
After the release of the film several supporters of the Indian National Congress protested and even tried to stall the screening.[27][28][29] Congress workers created ruckus in front of a cinema hall in Indore. Police used canes to disperse those who came to blows.[30]
Box office
The film opened at ₹8.50 million nett on its first day, as reported by Box office India.[31] The film grossed ₹ 47 million net in first weekend.[citation needed]
It was declared a disaster.
