“Break All the Rules!”: Revisiting ‘Khubsoorat’ (1980) as a Cinematic Reflection on the National Emergency

Abstract

The Indian National Emergency (1975-1977), imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, manifested in not only the persecution and imprisonment of political opponents and the suspension of political procedures, but also in significant control of the public space, including media, arts and cinema. During the period, many filmmakers have faced severe challenges related to the freedom of speech and expression, resulting in a lingering sense of disillusionment and disappointment of the nation-state. Consequently, this turbulent period required time before it could be addressed and discussed within the creative domain, often in indirect ways. This paper will analyse the comedy film Khubsoorat, directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee and released in 1980, three years after the Emergency. Hrishikesh Mukherjee, a prominent figure in Indian middle cinema, is renowned for his diverse body of work. He particularly excelled in the comedy genre and was known for his social and cultural satire and critique. Therefore, the paper will investigate Mukherjee’s film Khubsoorat as a creative reflection on the traumatic Emergency period. The paper argues, that through its blend of seemingly mundane domestic drama and comically subversive undertones, the film utilises comedy to subtly critique the Emergency’s impact on society while also contemplating possible ways of navigating life in the post-Emergency period.