Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, or Mahatma Gandhi, has inspired millions with his principles of non-violence. The frail old man clad in his homespun Khadi loincloth was strong enough to rock the British empire.
Filmmakers have always been intrigued by the life and teachings of Gandhi who had a huge influence on Indian politics.
From Ben Kingsley’s Gandhi to commercial film Lage Raho Munna Bhai, or the lesser known story of the Mahatma’s son, the life of Gandhi and his journey have been a subject for filmmakers across the world.
Various documentaries and films have been made on Mahatma Gandhi.
Today, on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary, here are a few films that won accolades for their portrayal of the Mahatma.
1. Gandhi (1982)
Considered one of the best movies ever made on the Indian Independence, this Oscar-winning biopic directed by Richard Attenborough encompasses the life of Gandhi with excellent narrative and powerful acting by British actor Ben Kingsley.
This film won eight Oscar awards, including the Best Director, Best Picture and Best Actor, and Best Costume for John Mollo and Bhanu Athaiya.
2. The Making of the Mahatma (1996)
Directed by Shyam Benegal, this film based on the book, ‘The Apprenticeship of a Mahatma’, showcases the early life of Gandhi during his 21 years in South Africa. Rajit Kapur played Gandhi, and won the National Film Award for Best Actor. The film also won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in English.
3. Hey Ram (2000)
This period drama was directed by Kamal Haasan who also essayed the protagonist’s role in the film. Based on the Partition of India and the murder of Mahatma Gandhi by Nathuram Godse, this film also had a cameo by Shah Rukh Khan.
4. Gandhi My Father (2007)
This film directed by Feroz Abbas Khan traces the life of Gandhi’s son Hiralal Gandhi who had a troubled relationship with his father. The film featured Akshaye Khanna as Hiralal Gandhi while Darshan Jariwala portrayed the character of Gandhi.
5. Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006)
Rajkumar Hirani’s sequel to Munna Bhai M.B.B.S had a modern take to the Gandhian principles termed ‘Gandhigiri’. This Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi starrer received four National Awards and was the first Hindi film to be screened at the United Nations.