Movies around the world have always been inspired by historical events of different countries and India is no different. Amidst the long freedom struggle against the British Raj, Mahatma Gandhi emerged as a prominent figure.
Called the Father of our Nation, Mahatma Gandhi’s fight against foreign rule has been a source of inspiration for generations of Indians.
Only a few of us know that 2nd October is celebrated as International Day of Non-Violence to commemorate the message that Mahatma Gandhi taught throughout the Freedom Struggle.
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To remember him on his birthday anniversary, we have created a list of some movies that you should consider watching to learn more about him-
1. Gandhi (1982)
An Oscar-winning movie depicting the life of Gandhi from a defining moment in his journey when he was thrown off the train in South Africa for not being white to his assassination in 1948, Gandhi was a collaboration between the British and Indian film industry, with Ben Kingsley playing the titular role.
Richard Attenborough was successful in developing one of the finest movies about the life of Mahatma Gandhi which ended up becoming a classic.
2. Nine Hours to Rama (1963)
Another film that was a creation of the foreign industry, Nine Hours to Rama is a British-American film showing the nine hours of the disillusioned Nathuram Godse before he assassinated Mahatma Gandhi.
The film portrays how Nathuram Godse concluded that Gandhi was somehow guilty of the events that unfolded after India’s Independence.
Godse’s hostility towards the Muslims and his loyalties toward Hindu Mahasabha is also depicted in the film.
3. The Making of the Mahatma (1996)
Directed by Shyam Benegal, The Making of the Mahatma is a South African-Indian film depicting the two decades Gandhi spent in South Africa.
Renowned actor Rajit Kapoor plays the role of Young Gandhi. The film is based on the book The Apprenticeship of a Mahatma by Fatima Meer.
4. Gandhi, My Father (2007)
A change in the movie produced around Mahatma Gandhi, Gandhi, My Father explores the strained relationship between Mahatma Gandhi and his eldest son Harilal who is unable to carry the heavy burden of being the offspring of a revolutionary man.
Akshaye Khanna plays Harilal while Darshan Jariwala plays Gandhi. Shefali Shah is also a part of the film playing the role of Mahatma’s wife, Kasturba.
5. Hey Ram (2000)
Probably one of the most underrated films in India, Hey Ram was nominated for Best Foreign Film but was not a commercial success at the time of its release. Directed by Kamal Haasan, the movie features Naseeruddin Shah as Mahatma Gandhi and Kamal Haasan as Saket Ram.
The movie also marked Shah Rukh Khan’s debut in Tamil films and also stars Hema Malini, Rani Mukherji, and Om Puri, among others. The film shows the partition of India and the horrors that come with it.
6. Maine Gandhi ko Nahin Mara (2005)
Suppose you think historical dramas are not your cup of tea. In that case, you may watch Maine Gandhi ko, Nahin Mara, a psychological thriller revolving around a retired professor who is suffering from dementia and somehow thinks that he was accused of killing Gandhi.
Anupam Kher features Professor Uttam Chaudhary while Urmila Matondkar plays the role of his daughter who seeks medical help for him after learning about the incident in childhood that led him to believe that he killed the Mahatma.
7. Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006)
Although the film is not directly based on the life of Mahatma Gandhi, the commercial success shows how an underworld don sees the spirit of the Mahatma who guides him to the right path.
It is a sequel to the film Munna Bhai MBBS, which featured Sanjay Dutt. Gandhi Jayanti—Movies To Watch On the Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi The film is known for coining the term “Gandhigiri.” It shows how Gandhian principles are still relevant today.
