As India marks Gandhi Jayanti on October 2, it is a fitting time to look back at films that portray the life, struggles and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi. From his leadership in the freedom movement to his message of peace and non-violence, these notable films centre on the Father of the Nation.
Gandhi (1982)
Where to watch: JioHotstar
Written and directed by Richard Attenborough, this 1982 biographical film follows the life of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Ben Kingsley plays Gandhi, and the film traces his philosophy of nonviolent civil disobedience in the effort to free India from British rule.
Hey Ram (2000)
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video and JioHotstar
Directed by Kamal Haasan, this Tamil historical crime drama opens with 89-year-old Saket Ram, played by Haasan himself. Lying on his deathbed, Saket Ram looks back through flashbacks on the events that shaped his life fifty years earlier. The film also deals with communal violence, personal trauma and radicalisation during the Partition of India.
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The Making of the Mahatma (1996)
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Directed by Shyam Benegal, this 1996 documentary drama is based on Fatima Meer’s book The Apprenticeship of a Mahatma. Rajit Kapur plays Mohandas Gandhi, a London-trained barrister who fights a case in South Africa, faces racism and champions the rights of Asian labourers before taking a stand for India’s independence.
Gandhi, My Father (2007)
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Directed by Feroz Abbas Khan and produced by Anil Kapoor, this film is regarded as one of the most acclaimed on the subject. Its courageous portrayal of an iconic figure’s private role as a parent earned it three National Film Awards. It explores the strained and tragic relationship between Mahatma Gandhi, played by Darshan Jariwala, and his eldest son, Harilal Gandhi, played by Akshaye Khanna.
Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006)
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Rajkumar Hirani’s satirical comedy-drama stars Sanjay Dutt as Munna, a gangster who falls hopelessly in love with radio jockey Jhanvi, played by Vidya Balan. He lies to her about being a true Gandhian. As the story unfolds, Munna hallucinates seeing Mahatma Gandhi, who teaches him life lessons that lead him to adopt Gandhi’s philosophy to solve modern problems.
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