'Gandhi My Father' shows strained father-son relationship

New Delhi, July 31 (IANS) Veteran theatre director Feroz Abbas Khan is ready with his first feature film "Gandhi My Father", an emotional historical drama that depicts the strained relationship between Mahatma Gandhi and his eldest son Harilal.

Releasing Friday, the film stars Akshaye Khanna, Bhumika Chawla, Darshan Jariwala and Shefali Chaya. It shows Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, in a completely different light - the film shows Gandhi's family life and how his values and conviction soured his relationship with his eldest son Harilal.

Based on Chadulal Dalal's book, the film has Akshaye in the role of Harilal and Darshan is cast as Gandhi. Bhoomika plays Harilal's wife Gulab and Shefali will be seen as Kasturba.

The film focuses on the emotional aspect of Gandhi's life and shows how his indifference towards his family turned Harilal into a rebel. He converted to Islam, reconverted to Hinduism and finally drank himself to death.

Six months after the assassination of his father, Harilal died in Sion hospital. He was alone. Harilal carried his Gandhi identity as a curse around his neck.

Khan, who has made a successful play on the same subject titled "Mahatma vs. Gandhi", was intrigued by Gandhi and wanted to explore his human side. Driven by curiosity, he did extensive research and his findings motivated him to make the film about a principled father and an unfortunate son.

Produced by Anil Kapoor, the film was screened in New York and earned a lot of appreciation. Sans any masala, the film might be a revelation to many.

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Gandhi My Father