Gandhi My Father Hindi Movie

Aug 3, 2007 By Ashok Nayak

Produced by Anil Kapoor, Gandhi My Father is a story never told before. It is about Mahatma Gandhi's relationship with his eldest son Harilal Gandhi. For the people Mahatma was the father, for Harilal he was a father he never had. Based on the play Mahatma vs. Gandhi, Feroz Abbas Khan has combined his talents as a writer and director to create probably the most affecting film in recent times.

The early difference arises when Harilal visits South Africa to fulfill his dream, to be a lawyer. His father has other plans for him; he wants him to struggle for the people, for the nation. Disappointed Harilal returns back to India to continue his education. Unable to pass, he gets into business and from there on its dejection, struggle, and failure. A rebellion who converts to Islam only to convert back to Hinduism as penance and finally drinking himself to death barely months after the death of his father.

From a critical point of view, 'Gandhi My Father' isn't a masterpiece. The movie has its share of loopholes. There is no clear justification to some of the acts by Gandhi towards his son. A little more research would have ensured a classic. From a normal audience point of view, 'Gandhi My Father' lacks entertainment value. Also the heavy use of English words should hamper the collections in the interiors of India. There are a few scenes that grip you emotionally. The Railway station scene where Harilal is the lone person cheering for his mother, the last scene between a Drunken Harilal and his mother and Kasturba death sequence are some of them. Watch out for these master strokes by the director.

The music is top class. Cinematography (David Macdonald) is superb. It is tough to capture the pre independence era with such precision.

A historical movie requires an earth shattering performance from the lead actors and that's exactly what we get. The four leading actors have put across powerful performances that take the movie to a different level altogether. Akshaye Khanna exceeds expectations. He excels in portraying the varied emotions that the character depends. Darshan Jariwala too has delivered a sensational and award worthy performance. Words cannot describe Shefali Chhaya's portrayal of Kasturba! Bhoomika Chawla doesn't have much scope for histrionics.

If you're a lover of quality cinema you don't want to miss this.

Rating - 3 / 5