On the auspicious occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary, Gandhi Jayanti 2024, we delve deep into his life and legacy. Through the medium of film, various directors have endeavored to depict the multitude of roles and the depth of character of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. His teachings, adherence to non-violence, and pivotal contributions to India’s struggle for independence have left an indelible mark on history. To honor his memory and learn more about the facets of his life, here’s a compilation of lesser-known films that bring different aspects of the Mahatma’s journey to the fore.
**Hamne Gandhi Ko Maar Dia**
‘Hamne Gandhi Ko Maar Dia’ is an insightful 2018 film directed by Naeem A. Siddiqui. This film portrays the encounter of two strangers, Kailash and Divakar, amid the turbulent times of Partition, right after the end of the British Raj. Their paths intertwine during a train journey, where their divergent views on Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy clash. The interaction between these two characters offers a profound exploration of the ideological differences that existed at the time. The narrative gains further poignancy as it coincides with the tragic assassination of Gandhi. For those interested, this thought-provoking film is available for streaming on ShemarooMe.
**Road to Sangam**
Another captivating film, ‘Road to Sangam’ (2009), directed by Amit Rai, delves into a unique story that intertwines faith and history. The story is set in Uttar Pradesh and revolves around Hasmat, a devout Muslim mechanic who is entrusted with the task of repairing an old lorry. Little does he know that this lorry once carried one of the 20 urns holding the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi. Hasmat’s discovery leads him to make a significant decision—to transport Gandhi’s last remains to their intended resting place. This film intricately explores the complex social fabric of India through its storyline. The stellar performances by Paresh Rawal, the late Om Puri, and Pawan Malhotra enrich the narrative, making it a must-watch. You can find it on ShemarooMe.
**Gandhigiri**
Released in 2016, ‘Gandhigiri’ is a film that emphasizes the relevance of Gandhi’s principles in contemporary life.
. Directed by Sanoj Mishra, the film stars the late Om Puri, who portrays Rai Saheb, an NRI and staunch follower of Gandhi’s teachings. Upon his return to India, he encounters four individuals marred by poor life choices. The plot follows Rai Saheb’s attempts to guide them back to the right path using Gandhian principles. It is a heartwarming tale that brings forth the enduring impact of Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals. This engaging film can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video.
**Nannu Gandhi**
‘Nannu Gandhi,’ a 2008 Kannada film directed by NR Nanjunde Gowda, offers a unique perspective on Gandhi’s teachings. The plot centers around a group of children who, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s principles and beliefs, become beacons of hope and change within their community. The film beautifully showcases how Gandhi’s ideals continue to inspire younger generations. This inspiring film is available for viewing on Disney+ Hotstar.
**Rebooting Mahatma**
In ‘Rebooting Mahatma,’ a 2019 Gujarati film, director Sandeep Patel brings a futuristic twist to Gandhi’s legend. The narrative envisions a humanoid version of Mahatma Gandhi navigating the complexities of the 21st century. This modern incarnation of Bapu broaches discussions on various contemporary issues, such as politics, Bollywood, social media, and youth culture, providing a fresh and relevant perspective on Gandhi’s timeless wisdom. The film offers viewers a unique blend of tradition and modernity and is accessible on ShemarooMe.
**Gandhi Godse – Ek Yudh**
In an imaginative and thought-provoking scenario, the film ‘Gandhi Godse – Ek Yudh’ explores a world where Mahatma Gandhi survives his assassination attempt and chooses to pardon his would-be assassin, Nathuram Godse. Directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, this narrative delves into the ensuing social and philosophical interactions between Gandhi and Godse. Through their conversations and debates, the film examines Gandhi’s principles of forgiveness and peace against Godse’s ideology. This intriguing film is available for streaming on Netflix.
On this Gandhi Jayanti, as we reminisce about the life and legacy of the Father of the Nation, these films offer a rich and varied exploration of the man who left an indelible mark on the world. Each movie provides a unique lens through which to view and reflect upon Gandhi’s enduring influence on our lives and society.
