On October 2nd, we celebrate Gandhi Jayanti, marking the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, a global symbol of peace, non-violence, and justice. Born in 1869, Gandhi’s philosophy of ahimsa (non-violence) and satyagraha (truth and resistance) transformed India’s struggle for independence into a moral revolution. His unwavering commitment to civil disobedience inspired global movements for human rights, from Martin Luther King Jr. in America to Nelson Mandela in South Africa. Gandhi’s ideology transcended political boundaries, leaving a lasting imprint on the world—and even the film industry. Filmmakers across continents have sought to capture his life and ideals on screen, creating enduring works that not only tell the story of Gandhi but also remind audiences of the power of truth, empathy, and resistance in the face of injustice. Through cinema, Gandhi’s legacy continues to inspire generations, proving that his teachings remain as relevant today as ever. To honor his memory, we’ve covered 8 films based on Mahatma Gandhi’s life that you might want to see.
Gandhi (1982)
Directed by Richard Attenborough, stars Ben Kingsley as Mahatma Gandhi, Rohini Hattangadi as Kasturba Gandhi, Roshan Seth as Pandit Nehru, and Edward Fox as General Dyer. The film chronicles Gandhi’s life from his time in South Africa to his role in India’s independence movement. IMDb score: 8.1/10.
The Making of the Mahatma (1996)
Directed by Shyam Benegal, features Rajit Kapoor as Mahatma Gandhi, Pallavi Joshi as Kasturba Gandhi, and Keith Stevenson as Rev. Joseph Doke. It focuses on Gandhi’s formative years in South Africa, highlighting the events that shaped his philosophy. IMDb score: 6.9/10.
Gandhi, My Father (2007)
Directed by Feroz Abbas Khan, stars Darshan Jariwala as Gandhi, Akshaye Khanna as his son Harilal, and Shefali Shah as Kasturba Gandhi. The film delves into the strained relationship between Gandhi and his eldest son. IMDb score: 7.3/10.
Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006)
Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, features Sanjay Dutt as Munna Bhai and Arshad Warsi as Circuit, with a special appearance by Dilip Prabhavalkar as Gandhi. The film uses Gandhi’s teachings of non-violence in a modern comedic setting. IMDb score: 8.0/10.
Sardar (1993)
Directed by Ketan Mehta, stars Paresh Rawal as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Annu Kapoor as Gandhi. This film highlights Patel’s role in India’s independence, with significant moments involving Gandhi. IMDb score: 7.8/10.
Nine Hours to Rama (1963)
Directed by Mark Robson, features Horst Buchholz as Nathuram Godse, José Ferrer as Superintendent of Police, and J.S. Casshyap as Gandhi. The film is a fictionalized account of the hours leading up to Gandhi’s assassination. IMDb score: 6.8/10.
Hey Ram (2000)
Directed by and starring Kamal Haasan, alongside Rani Mukerji and Shah Rukh Khan, explores the fictionalized events leading to Gandhi’s assassination from an alternate perspective. IMDb score: 7.9/10.
Our review: “Hey Ram (2000) s a captivating blend of fact and fiction which delves into religious intolerance with a stellar cast led by Kamal Haasan.”
Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara (2005)
Directed by Jahnu Barua, stars Anupam Kher as a retired professor who believes he killed Gandhi, alongside Urmila Matondkar. The film examines the psychological impact of Mahatma Gandhi’s death on the professor’s mind. IMDb score: 7.7/10.
