Martyrs' Day 2024: 10 Mahatma Gandhi movies inspired by the freedom fighter's life

Filmmakers have often drawn inspiration from the struggles of India's great freedom fighters, depicting their lives on the big screen. Numerous movies have captured the essence of these historical figures.

Updated On: 2024-01-30 12:45 PM IST

Compiled by : Tuhina Upadhyay

Pic Courtesy/IMDB

The Making of the Mahatma (1996)
Directed by Shyam Benegal, this film delves into Gandhi's life in South Africa and the experiences that led him to join the freedom struggle. Rajit Kapur plays the character of young Gandhi, covering the two decades he spent in Africa, based on the book "The Apprenticeship of a Mahatma" by Fatima Meer.

Mahatma: Life of Gandhi, 1869–1948 (1968)
A black-and-white documentary narrating Gandhi's quest for truth, primarily using his own words. It is truly a marvel to watch.

Nine Hours to Rama (1963)
This film delves into the nine hours leading up to Nathuram Godse's assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. The fictional narrative explores Godse's troubled life, including violence with Muslims and family issues. JS Casshyap played Gandhi, and Horst Buchholz portrayed Nathuram Godse.

Gandhi (1982)
An Oscar-winning movie based on Gandhi's memoirs, with Ben Kingsley delivering an unforgettable performance as Mahatma Gandhi. The film depicts various aspects of Gandhi's life during the freedom struggle until his assassination. Directed by Richard Attenborough, it is considered one of the best films on Gandhi.

Sardar (1993)
Centered around freedom fighter Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the film explores Patel's collaboration with Gandhiji in achieving independence. Annu Kapoor portrays Mahatma Gandhi, and Paresh Rawal takes on the role of Sardar Patel.

Gandhi, My Father (2007)
A unique Bollywood film that explores the strained relationship between Mahatma Gandhi and his son. Darshan Jariwala portrays Gandhi, and Akshaye Khanna plays Harilal Gandhi. Alongside depicting Gandhi's role in the freedom struggle, it delves into aspects of his personal life with his family.

Hey Ram (2000)
Starring Kamal Hasan and Naseeruddin Shah, this film revolves around India's partition and the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. Naseeruddin Shah portrays Gandhi, while Kamal Hasan plays Saket Ram, a Hindu fundamentalist. Despite not achieving commercial success, the film was India's official entry to the Oscars in 2000 for Best Foreign Film.

Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006)
A successful Bollywood film starring Sanjay Dutt that coined the term 'Gandhigiri.' Although not focused on the freedom struggle, the movie emphasizes the relevance of Gandhian principles in contemporary life. Sanjay Dutt's character, an underworld don, embraces Gandhi's spirit to solve problems.

Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara (2005)
In this psychological drama, Anupam Kher plays a retired Hindi professor suffering from dementia, who believes he was accused of assassinating Mahatma Gandhi. The film explores the professor's mental health issues and his daughter's efforts to intervene.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar (2010)
Directed by Jabbar Patel, this autobiographical movie focuses on the life of Babasaheb Ambedkar, portrayed by Mammootty. Gandhi is portrayed in a nuanced manner, with Mohan Gokhle taking on the role.

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