Gandhi’s martyrdom anniversary spotlights cinema’s role in perpetuating his vision of a violence-free world. From silver screen epics to subversive comedies, Indian films ingeniously transplant his principles into relatable scenarios, proving their adaptability.
They educate without preaching, using drama, laughs, and introspection to illustrate nonviolence’s relevance against bullying, corruption, and hate.
Iconic starter: ‘Gandhi’ (1982), Attenborough’s magnum opus with Ben Kingsley charting the Mahatma’s path from lawyer to liberator, clinching international acclaim.
Modern twist in Hirani’s ‘Lage Raho Munna Bhai’ (2006), blending laughs with lessons as a Mumbai don (Sanjay Dutt) goes Gandhian, influencing society profoundly.
Biographical depth in ‘Gandhi, My Father’ (2007), uncovering Harilal’s tragic defiance (Akshay Khanna) against paternal dogma.
Epic scope of ‘Hey Ram’ (2000), Kamal Haasan’s directorial feat probing communal riots and redemption.
Thought-provoking ‘Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara’ (2005), where Anupam Kher confronts imagined guilt over history’s darkest moment.
Origins traced in Benegal’s 1996 gem ‘The Making of the Mahatma,’ focusing on satyagraha’s birth in exile.
These narratives collectively safeguard Gandhi’s wisdom, inspiring action in turbulent times.