6 Movies That Convey Gandhi’s Ideology

Source: clf.uk

Charismatic thoughts yet simple in living is what defines Gandhiji. He was indeed well ahead of his time, with his futuristic vision. He knew the value of independence & sustenance. Throughout his life through his words & actions, he kept on reflecting the same. Gandhi considered the earth a living organism. He believed that “the universe was structured and informed by the cosmic spirit, that all men, all life and indeed all creation were one.”

He wrote: “I believe in the Advaita (non-duality), I believe in the essential unity of man and for that matter, of all that lives.” Gandhiji used to say, “without cooperation and sacrifice of both human and non-human beings evolution is not possible. 

"Being rational human beings, we are the custodians of the rest of creation and should respect their rights and cherish the diversity.” He not only valued the essence of environmental interdependence but gave the idea of “Village Swaraj” and how to develop it; environmental protection being one of the most valued of them all.

He not only recognised the importance of environmental interdependence but also proposed the concept of "Village Swaraj" and how to implement it, with environmental protection being one of the most cherished of all. His Satyagraha teachings have not only impacted environmentalists but have also saved many forests from extinction.

These are only a few of his teachings but Indian Cinema also has taken these ideas and made them into movies which give insights into teachings, life, preachings and mostly ideologies. Here are a few of them 

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1. Gandhi My Father (2007)

Gandhi My Father is a documentary about Mahatma Gandhi's childhood. The video paints a more complete picture of his early marriage to Kasturba, his English barrister, and the major episode in South Africa. The video also gives additional insight into Bapu's family life, particularly with his son Harilal.

It is based on the biography of Harilal Gandhi (Mahatma Gandhi's son). The film's core theme is Gandhi's troubled connection with his son Harilal. And a gap is created between being a father to his lovely sons and being the father of the nation, which is then healed by the end of this film. This film was directed by Feroz Khan and received critical acclaim.

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2. Gandhi (1982)

Gandhi, the winner of eight Academy Awards and one of the most famous films, was Richard Attenborough's passion project. The film covers everything there is to know about Mahatma Gandhi and Indian independence. It's one of the most highly regarded works of art, and you should absolutely watch it.

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3. Hey Ram (2000)

A 20-year-old historical drama by Kamal Hassan tells the story of partition. Saketh Ram, a Hindu archaeologist, becomes a Hindu extremist after his wife is raped and murdered by a Muslim mob in this film. He, therefore, blames everything on Gandhi's decision to split India and consequently plots to assassinate him. But there are several things he later realises during the film that assist us to erase whatever doubts we had about the decision.

Kamal Haasan's most cohesive directing work to date. The narrative, like all of Kamal's work, dragged on and on. But what stood out was the filmmaker/unwavering actor's trust in Gandhiji's teachings to move mountains. Naseeruddin Shah appeared as Mahatma Gandhi near the end of the film.

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4. Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara (2005)

Anupam Kher not only produced but also played in this gem of a film as a Gandhian patriarch suffering from memory loss who feels bad about the Mahatma's killing. The picture blended a pastiche of memory, remorse, nostalgia, and a moral dilemma into a coherent mix that the great man himself would have definitely liked. 

Source: IMDb

5. Sardar (1993) 

This film was focused mostly on the life of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (played by Paresh Rawal), and Gandhi (played by Anu Kapoor) played an important role in his life. The film centred on the clash of philosophies, and Sardar was initially perceived as mocking Gandhi's values of nonviolence and sincerity, but he finally recognised their significance. The video provided us with a rare glimpse into the brains of two persons who were critical to India's independence.

Source: Indian Film History

6. The Making Of The Mahatma (1996)

The Making Of Mahatma, directed by Shyam Benegal, was based on Fatima Meer's book, 'The Apprenticeship of a Mahatma', and depicted the tale of Mahatma Gandhi's early years in South Africa. Two National Awards were given to the film.

Written By: Greeshma Chowdary 

Edited By: Nidhi Jha