Gandhi My Father Movie Review

Cast & Crew:
Mahatma Gandhi         :    Darshan Jariwala
Harilal Gandhi             :    Akshaye Khanna
Gulab Gandhi             :    Bhumika Chawla
Kasturba Gandhi         :    Shefali Shah
Henry Polak               :    Daniel Janks
Director & Writer        :    Feroz Khan
Producer                    :    Anil Kapoor
Music Composer         :    Piyush Kanojia
Photography              :    David Macdonald

Gandhi My Father is a powerful study of the nature and sufferings of the patriarchal relationship between one of the world’s most loved figures – ‘Mahatma’ Gandhi - and his misfortunate eldest son Harilal. The film delves into a territory that has never before been visited by film, and will spark debate by bringing to light an unknown facet of the personal history of a man who transformed the soul of a nation, but who could not save the soul of his own son.

Mind it, the movie doesn’t show Gandhi in negative light. It just shows how a son – an ordinary man with his own desires and weaknesses – is crushed under the weight of the high principles of his father. It shows how Harilal’s failures and weaknesses stood in sharp contrast to the high ideals and victories of his father. It shows how Harilal carried the tag of Gandhi like a curse around his neck.

Based on his thought-provoking play, Mahatma v/s Gandhi, veteran thespian of Indian theatre and cinema Feroz Khan has combined his unparalleled talents as a writer and director with the production skills of fellow industry stalwart Anil Kapoor, to create the most affecting film of modern times.

Although inspired by the philosophies and teachings of one of the greatest men of the modern world, the groundbreaking Gandhi My Father is far from a biopic account or portrayal of Gandhi’s struggle towards India’s independence. Delving deep into the personal tragedy that Gandhi kept secret from the world, Feroz Khan’s filmic tour de force focuses on the doomed relationship between a father respected by an entire nation, but rebuked by a son who was disowned, and whose bitter end was the result of years of abject alcoholism.

At the forefront of Indian theatre today, Feroz Khan is recognised as much for exploring new forms, as for bringing Hindi theatre and film, mainstream recognition. In a career spanning more than two decades, he has directed some of India’s finest acting talent, both from stage and cinema, and his English theatre production of Mahatma v/s Gandhi created a sensation wherever it was staged.

Coming from a family that has been involved in the art of filmmaking for the past 50 years, actor Anil Kapoor has entered the realm of production with Gandhi My Father, and brings thorough knowledge and wide experience to the craft. He forays into independent production with his banner, Anil Kapoor Films Company, joining hands with the London-listed, leading integrated media and entertainment Company Eros International, to bring to the audiences a story that gives fascinating insight into Gandhi’s life; not so much as father of the nation, but as a father to his son, Harilal.

The movie has no songs but two bhajans that play in the background. The cinematography by David Macdonald is of international standards.

All said, ‘Gandhi My Father’ is a hard-hitting film that tells a sad and tragic story. Seekers of feelgood entertainment won’t find anything eminently enjoyable in the film. But the film, albeit, is a piece of quality cinema.