Everyone knows about Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, but not much is known about him as a father to his children. Gandhi My Father tells the story of Harilal Gandhi [Son of Mahatma Gandhi] and the relationship he shared with his parents, more particularly with his father, the great Mahatma - father of nation.
Gandhi My Father is a film based on true events. Mahatma Gandhi could transform the soul of a nation, but could not save the soul of his own son. The film unfolds a personal tragedy about a principled father and an unfortunate son. The story is not about the freedom movement and the pivotal role played by the Mahatma, but it highlights the sensitive relationship between a father and son. To recreate the bygone era and get the right set of actors to enact the characters is big challenge. It is very tough to make a film which is based on Mahatma Gandhi and a far bigger challenge is to present the relationship shared by the Mahatma and his son Harilal.
Since the story of Harilal is not known to many, you absorb every incident like a sponge absorbs water. It's an enlightening experience and also a moving one. Your heart goes out to Harilal and his plight, more so towards the sunset of his life, makes you moist-eyed. Somewhere in the shadows of a great man [Mahatma Gandhi] lived his son [Harilal Gandhi], roaming the streets of India like a beggar converting to Islam as a rebellion, reconverting to Hinduism as a penance and finally drinking him to death. This movie leaves an unforgettable impression on the viewer.
The director has ensured that every department works in tandem. David Macdonald's cinematography is superb. The ambience transports you to the early 20th century. Make-up done by Penny Smith is of international standard. The transformation of the characters as they age looks so real. Costumes designs of Sujata Sharma suit the theme well. Background score of Piyush Kanojia is appropriate. The director has reproduces facts without resorting to cinematic liberties and at the same time, simplifies everything so that the viewer can decipher it well.
Akshaye Khanna is extraordinary in the role of Harilal Gandhi. He portrays the varied emotions -- angst, sorrow, anger, frustration, love -- with great understanding and maturity and comes up with his career-best work. Darshan Jariwala as Mahatma Gandhi is another great performance. Shefali Shah is awesome. Bhumika Chawla is excellent. Her portions, with Harilal mainly, are well enacted.
On the whole, Gandhi My Father is a treat for movie lovers. As mentioned at the very outset, it's a must-see for all Indians. Gandhi My Father is a must watch for every Indian.
Gandhi My Father Preview
“One family's tragedy was the price of a nation's freedom,” says the tagline of Feroz Abbas Khan's movie 'Gandhi My Father'. The family in question is that of Mahatma Gandhi.
The movie is based on Feroz Abbas Khan's play 'Mahatma Vs Gandhi'. It tells the story of Gandhi's eldest son Harilal Gandhi, who rebelled against his father.
'Gandhi My Father' is presented by Anil Kapoor Films Company in association with EROS International. Theatre director Feroz Abbas Khan has directed the film.
Akshaye Khanna as Harilal Gandhi The film has Akshaye playing Harilal Gandhi, who had a very troubled relationship with his father and carried the identity of his father like a curse around his neck.
Darshan Jariwala as Mahatma Gandhi Darshan Jariwala plays Mahatma Gandhi. Darshan is a versatile and veteran stage actor who has worked in about 50 plays and acted in films by noted directors like Ketan Mehta.
Shefali Shah as Kasturba Gandhi Actress Shefali Shah plays the wife of Mohandas Gandhi. Kasturba raised her newborn son Harilal all by herself when Gandhi left to study in London in 1888. Later, she gave birth to three more sons.
Although Kasturba Gandhi stood by her husband, she did not always easily accept his ideas.
Bhumika Chawla plays Gulab Gandhi, the wife of Harilal.
Story
'Gandhi My Father' is the story of a principled father and an unfortunate son.
Somewhere in the shadows of Mahatma Gandhi lived his eldest son Harilal, who rebelled against his father's idealistic principles and sought to live a life where he would not have to carry the burden of being the son of an exemplary figure like Mahatma Gandhi.
In open rebellion against his father's ideals, Harilal converted to Islam and adopted the name Abdullah Gandhi. He also sought to remarry after the death of his first wife. All this prompted Mahatma Gandhi to disown his own son.
Even though Harilal later converted back to Hinduism, he lived the life of a derelict, roaming the streets of India like a beggar and finally drinking himself to death.
In Harilal's words: “He (Mahatma Gandhi) is the greatest father you can have... But he is the one father I wish I did not have.”
In the director's note, Feroz Abbas Khan writes that he was so fascinated by the human side of Gandhi, and Harilal's turbulent relation with him that he did extensive research on the subject.
“Finally my search to know the human side of Gandhi took me to South Africa, to different parts of India, libraries, scholars and his immediate family members. I then decided to make a film about a principled father and an unfortunate son,” writes Khan.
'Gandhi My Father' is a cherished project of Anil Kapoor who has produced this film.
David MacDonald is the film's cinematographer. Penny Smith has handled the make-up and hairstyling. Piyush Kanojia is the music composer.
Movie Review : Gripping (6/10) 'Gandhi My Father' is a story that was waiting to be told. We all know about Mahatma Gandhi and his greatness. But only a few know...
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