BAPU on Big Screen!

Mahatma Gandhi has been the subject of admiration and interrogation on Indian cinema across languages and regions. A look at some movies that explored the Father of Nation’s life and thought on film.

Bhaktha Vidur (1921)
This silent film juxtaposed the wise Vidur, a character from the India epic Mahabharatha, with Mahatma Gandhi. The first Indian film to be banned by the British Government.

Mahatma (1953)
Simultaneously made in three languages ( Hindi, Marathi and English), this film on a Gandhian follower and freedom fighter was among the first tributes to the Mahatma in free India.

Jagriti(1954)
Probably the most child-centric nationalist Hindi film on the principles of Mahatma. The film won the Filmfare Award for Best Film at the 3rd Filmfare Awards in 1956. ‘De di humein azaadi bina khadag bina dhal, Sabarmati se sant tune kar diya kammal’, is always sung on the leader’s birth anniversary in schools.

Bapu Ne Kaha Tha(1962)
A small village boy takes up Gandhi’s passion for truth as the guiding star of his life.

Gandhi(1982)
The film covers Gandhi’s life from a defining moment in 1893, as he is thrown off a South African train for being in a whites-only compartment, and concludes with his assassination. This definitive Gandhi biopic won 8 Oscars.

Gandhi Se Mahatma Tak(1996)
The biopic explores the leader’s early life, two-decade of struggles in South Africa.The film is based upon the book, The Apprenticeship of a Mahatma.

Maine Gandhi Ko Nahi Maara(2005)
A retired and mentally unstable professor starts believing that he had killed Gandhi. The film stars Anupam Kher and Urmila Matondkar in lead roles.

Lage Raho Munna Bhai(2006)
The film that popularized the word ‘Gandhigiri’. In Lage Raho Munna Bhai, the eponymous lead character starts to see the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi. Through his interactions with Gandhi, he begins to practice what he refers to as Gandhigiri (a neologism for Gandhism) to help ordinary people solve their problems.

Gandhi, My Father(2007)
The award-winning film explored the troubled relationship between Mahatma Gandhi and his eldest son Harilal Gandhi. It was produced by Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor.

Mudhalvar mahatma(2014)

In a fictional narrative, this Tamil film shows Gandhi’s return to his country after 60 years on his death to resume his Satyagraha movement. While there, he must deal with the various social, economical and political issues that exist within the country.