Madhur Bhandarkar is celebrating the eighth anniversary of his film Indu Sarkar, a period political thriller set against the backdrop of the Emergency in India. The director has expressed his gratitude to audiences for their continued love and appreciation for the movie.

Indu Sarkar, released in 2017, revolves around Indu, a housewife who transforms into an activist during the Emergency period. The film explores the personal and political dynamics of the 1970s through Indu's journey as she diverges from her husband's opportunistic path. The movie stars Kirti Kulhari as Indu Sarkar, Neil Nitin Mukesh as Sanjay Gandhi, Anupam Kher as Nanaji Pradhan, and Tota Roy Chowdhury as Navin Sarkar. Supriya Vinod portrays Indira Gandhi in the film.

Bhandarkar's Indu Sarkar faced significant controversy upon its release. The Indian National Congress heavily criticized the film, alleging that it portrayed former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and her son Sanjay Gandhi in a negative light. Concerns were raised about the film's depiction of the Emergency and its key political figures. Madhur Bhandarkar clarified that the film was not a biopic of Indira Gandhi but a story set during the Emergency. Priya Singh Paul, who claimed to be Sanjay Gandhi's daughter, sought a stay on the film's release, but her plea was rejected by the Bombay High Court after she failed to provide sufficient evidence. The Supreme Court also declined to halt the release, affirming that the movie was an "artistic expression within the parameters of law". Despite the legal clearances, protests and disruptions occurred during the film's screenings.

The film received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the acting performances, while others criticized the narrative. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) suggested several modifications to the film, including cuts and disclaimers, which Bhandarkar initially found appalling. The controversy surrounding Indu Sarkar brought attention to the debate over censorship and freedom of expression in filmmaking.

Despite the initial controversy and mixed reception, Indu Sarkar has remained relevant, with streaming platforms contributing to its continued viewership. Madhur Bhandarkar's nuanced storytelling continues to resonate with audiences, keeping the narrative alive. The director is now working on a new project titled The Wives, which explores the lives of Bollywood star wives. The film features Sonali Kulkarni, Mouni Roy, Regina Cassandra, and others.