5 Movies On Mahatma Gandhi You Must Watch This Gandhi Jayanti

With the country celebrating Gandhi Jayanti on October 2nd, the birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, it is the perfect time to understand his life, philosophy and legacy of the Father of the Nation. Cinema has served as a powerful medium to show his journey, from his early years in South Africa to his leadership of India's freedom struggle.

5 Movies On Mahatma Gandhi To Watch This Gandhi Jayanti

This year, pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi by watching these five award-winning films that offer a distinct perspective on his life.

1. Gandhi (1982)

This epic biographical film directed by Sir Richard Attenborough is a classic for a reason. Starring Ben Kingsley, who won an Oscar for his performance as Gandhi, the film chronicles Gandhi's life. It covers his political awakening after being thrown off a train in South Africa in 1893, his role in India's independence movement, and finally his assassination in 1948. As it was a recipient of eight Academy Awards, it remains an essential viewing for anyone seeking an understanding of Gandhi's public life and global impact.

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2. The Making Of The Mahatma (1996)

Shyam Benegal's 'The Making of the Mahatma' offers a deeper view into Gandhi's formative years. The film particularly focuses on the 21 years he spent in South Africa, which shapes his philosophy of Satyagraha and non-violence. Rajit Kapur plays Gandhi, whose performance is subtle yet compelling, making this an essential watch for understanding his evolution from a conventional barrister to the revered 'Mahatma'.

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3. Gandhi, My Father (2007)

Feroz Abbas Khan's 'Gandhi, My Father' moves beyond Gandhi's public persona and focuses on his fraught and complex relationship with his son, Harilal Gandhi. The film centres on the heavy personal price of being the son of a man whom the world revered as a father figure. It is a brave exploration of Gandhi's role as a leader and his responsibilities towards his family, brought to life by strong performances from Darshan Jariwala (as Gandhi) and Akshaye Khanna (as Harilal).

4. Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006)

Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, this Bollywood movie is perhaps the most popular entry on the list, and is arguably one of the best films to introduce Gandhi's principles to a new generation. This made the term 'Gandhigiri' quite popular, as a Mumbai Gangster, Munna Bhai, starts seeing visions of Mahatma Gandhi (played by Dilip Prabhavalkar) and starts applying his teachings of Satyagraha and non-violence to modern-day problems. It is a wholesome and comical film that shows the timeless relevance of Gandhi's ideals in everyday life.

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5. Hey Ram (2000)

A sensitive and semi-fictional historical drama penned, directed, and featuring Kamal Haasan, 'Hey Ram' presents a decidedly alternative viewpoint. Against the backdrop of Partitioned India and Gandhi's assassination, the movie traces the story from the point of view of Saket Ram, an archaeologist consumed by hatred in the name of community and planning to kill Gandhi. The movie is a layered study of revenge, communal hatred, and eventual redemption, with Naseeruddin Shah giving a standout performance as the Mahatma, who ends up being the trigger for the transformation of the main character.

Image courtesy: IMDb

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