24062025-LSTL-01.qxd 6/23/2025 7:40 PM Page 1 c m y b EZRA MILLLER BACK IN ACTION Ezra Miller may be planning a return to Hollywood after staying out of the public eye for two years. Known for the roles in The Flash and Fantastic Beasts, Miller recently appeared at the Cannes Film Festival to support filmmaker Lynne Ramsay. “I came to Cannes to support one of my closest friends in the world ,” Miller said. TRIBUNE Life Bollywood’s lens on the Emergency Here’s a list of films that captured India’s darkest political chapter 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. 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 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. LUDHIANA | TUESDAY | 24 JUNE 2025 Lights, Camera, Inclusion Mona F UNNY, friendly and empowering — Sitare Zameen Par, which dropped on June 20, made the world sit up and take notice of the differently abled. The film, reportedly, earned nearly Rs 60 crore in India over the weekend. This sports comedy-drama, based on the Spanish film Champions (2018), is a spiritual successor to Aamir Khan’s 2007 classic Taare Zameen Par, which first brought autism into cinema in a tender, truthful way. That film helped the world understand not just a child’s condition, but the silent struggles and loud triumphs of those who care for them. Moving on from stereotypes and misrepresentations, lately cinema has brought some really heart moving portrayals. Main sirf sapna hi dekh sakta hu Tushar Hiranandani’s Srikanth is the tale of Srikanth Bolla, a visuallyimpaired boy, who refused to be limited by the world’s expectations. Portrayed with powerful grace by Rajkummar Rao, the film traces his journey from being denied schooling to founding Bollant Industries, proving resilience doesn’t need sight — just vision. It’s a heart-stirring narrative that lights a fire of possibility for every dreamer who’s been told, “You can’t.” As Sitare Zameen Par pulls crowds to theatres, we take a look at films based on differently abled heroes Kabhi teekha kabhi meetha Laal Singh Chaddha, Aamir Khan’s Hindi adaptation of Forrest Gump, reimagines a tale of neurodivergence with a desi heartbeat. Laal, portrayed with warmth and innocence, lives with a developmental delay but walks through life — and history — with quiet dignity. The film may not have sprinted at the box office, but its soul runs deep. It’s not about speed; it’s about staying the course. 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. 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 ACTION AND SPECTACLE Baadshaho (2017) 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 Meri weakness meri strength hai In Hichki, Rani Mukerji takes on the role of Naina Mathur, a passionate teacher with Tourette Syndrome. She turns her socalled ‘disability’ into her biggest strength, proving education isn’t about perfection — it’s about connection. The film is a feel-good ode to every child written off too soon and every teacher who chose to believe instead. Kabir Khan’s Chandu Champion puts the spotlight on Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medallist. With Kartik Aaryan in a careerdefining role, the film celebrates the sheer force of will of a man who refused to stop — even after life tried to. It goes beyond the arena to shed light on the apathy faced by paraathletes, showing us a true champion is one who doesn’t wait for applause to rise. Baat nazar ki nahi, nazariye ki hai Rabb Di Awaaz by National Award winning director Ojaswwee Sharma tells the story of RJ Karan, whose life changes profoundly after an unexpected interview with Shiv, a visually challenged individual. Set in the dynamic environment of a bustling radio station, the film explores the transformative journey of a once-popular RJ, bringing fourth engaging discourse about inclusivity and mental health awareness. Ahaan quietly dropped on Netflix but made a loud impact. The film features Abuli Mamaji, an actor with Down syndrome, in the lead — marking a rare and powerful moment in Indian cinema. This story of a sweet, straightforward man and his unlikely friendship with a man battling OCD is full of humour, heart and humanity. No drama, just life. And that’s what makes it so special. 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. — TNS SRIKANTH RABB DI AWAAZ Main alag hoon, par akela nahi Set to release on July 18, Tanvi: The Great is already making waves after its Cannes premiere. The film follows a young girl on the autism spectrum who finds solace — and power — through classical dance. Without shouting from the rooftops, it dances into your heart. It’s not just about neurodivergence — it’s about neuro- CHANDU CHAMPION diverse brilliance and how art becomes a language when words fall short. Bollywood’s new language Cinema, at its core, is a mirror. And finally, it’s reflecting lives HICHKI that were once pushed to the sidelines. These films don’t just seek sympathy — they spark understanding, representation and most importantly, hope. From sports grounds to class- rooms, radio booths to boardrooms, the differently-abled are being seen as they truly are — not as burdens, but as beacons. The stories are changing. The heroes look different now. Sardaarslammed fortrouble Sholay to be screened at Italy film fest Ji in working with Diljit Dosanjh gets Pakistani star Hania Aamir in Sardaar Ji 3 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. SITARE ZAMEEN PAR Chhota mat samajhna Champion rukta nahi hai POWER PLAY Kissa Kursi Ka (1978) 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. Lost & found Global star aka desi girl Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who plays Noel Bisset in Prime Video’s Head of State, says she lost a chunk of her eyebrow while on a mission to save the world. Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh has been receiving backlash ahead of the release of his film Sardaar Ji 3, which features Pakistani artiste Hania Aamir, with many users asking to boycott him. Directed by Amar Hundal, the film is the third part of the Punjabi horror comedy franchise. It is produced by Gunbir Singh Sidhu and Manmord Sidhu of White Hill Studios alongside Story Time Productions. Diljit shared the trailer of the film on Instagram. The actor said the film, which was previously slated to have a worldwide release, will now come out overseas only on June 27. Many users went on to express their disappointment and called out Diljit for working with a Pakistani actor. — PTI c m y b The Bollywood epic, Sholay, will receive a special 50th anniversary tribute with the world premiere of its fully restored, uncut version at the Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival in Bologna, Italy. Originally released in 1975, Sholay became a cult favourite in Indian cinema. Directed by Ramesh Sippy, the film featured Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Jaya Bhaduri and Amjad Khan. The restored version is the result of a three-year collaboration between the Film Heritage Foundation and Sippy Films Pvt Ltd. For the first time, viewers will be able to see the film with its original ending and previously deleted scenes that were missing from the version that was shown in theatres. Amitabh Bachchan said, “Some things in life remain permanently etched in your mind. Sholay is one such film. Shooting for the film was an unforgettable experience, but at the time I had no idea that it would be a watershed for Indian cinema. It’s wonderful that the Film Heritage Foundation has restored Sholay and that they have managed to locate and include the original ending as well as some deleted scenes in the restoration. I hope that even 50 years later, the film will capture the imagination of new audiences across the world.” Dharmendra said, “Sholay DHARMENDRA is the 8th wonder of the world. I am thrilled to hear that the film is being restored and I am sure it will have the same success as it had 50 years ago. Who can forget the dialogues of Salim-Javed and the direction of Ramesh Sippy?. —ANI AMITABH BACHCHAN