Gandhi, My Father

Gandhi, My Father is a compelling Indian film released in 2007, helmed by the innovative and remarkable director, Feroz Abbas Khan. The film stars Akshaye Khanna, Darshan Jariwala, and Shefali Shah in the lead roles. It examines the often fraught relationship between Mahatma Gandhi and his son Harilal. It is based on the biography of Harilal Gandhi, titled Harilal Gandhi: A Life, penned by Chandulal Bhagubhai Dalal.

This transfixing biographical drama offers a rare, intimate, and yet somehow an unchartered perspective on Mahatma Gandhi- one that very few films have delved into. It presents the ‘Father of the Nation’ as well as a ‘father’ to a challenging and often troubled son.

Casting a shadow over the illustrious life of Mahatma Gandhi, least explored in the annals of Indian history, is his conflicted relationship with his eldest son, Harilal. The movie beautifully showcases the noted dichotomy between the public image of the freedom fighter and his personal life, centering around the relationship with his son.

The film, set in the backdrop of India's struggle for independence, tells the story of Harilal Gandhi (Akshaye Khanna), who carried a lifelong grudge against his father. Harilal had always had the high ambition of studying law and becoming a barrister like his father but was strong-armed into other paths by the latter. Kasturba Gandhi (Shefali Shah) plays the character of a mother torn between her husband and son, trying to maintain peace in a fragmented family.

In the role of Gandhi, Darshan Jariwala offers a balanced and disciplined performance. His portrayal of Gandhi is dignified and accurate, and he successfully captures the essence of Gandhi's spiritual and social integrity.

In a path far removed from his disciplined, devout father, Harilal’s life sees him compromise his family, convert to Islam, and lead a wayward life, further deteriorating his relationship with his father. The film conveys the angst and estrangement between father and son with extreme sensitivity without any melodrama.

Juxtaposing Harilal’s rebellious life with Gandhi’s ascetic and nationalistic life, Khan unfolds a deeply sensitive narrative. It gives us a window into the struggles of being a son to a national hero, as Harilal battles feelings of abandonment, dissatisfaction, and the relentless quest for his own identity.

The entire cast convincingly portrays their characters, and the storytelling is as compelling as it is heartbreaking. Khan's direction is superb, and his storytelling method does justice to this historical piece. The relationship between Gandhi and Harilal unravels interesting facets of both their personalities, raising thought-provoking questions about idealism, patriotism, parenting, personal tragedies, and the ultimate cost of independence.

Set against a tasteful period backdrop, the film is polished with striking cinematography, capturing the country-specific locations in their true flavor and authenticity. The camera work and lighting have been employed to precisely depict the era in which the story unfolds, and meticulous attention has been paid to the costume design, which further accentuates character development and authenticity to the period.

Through deliberate pacing and a non-linear narrative, the movie switches between the past and the present, drawing attention to the contrasting paths the two men have chosen.

The film, while being intense, is also hauntingly beautiful and laden with emotions, as the audience navigates the arcs of betrayal, hope, despair, and unfulfilled dreams. The power left in the unspoken words and the silent undertones of resentment is just as adventuresome as the march for the country's freedom.

Gandhi, My Father does an excellent job of blending historical events with personal human emotions, yielding a film that is heartbreakingly real and deeply resonating. Providing an insight not just into the life of one of the most renowned figures in history, but also into a familial relationship marked with unprecedented challenges, the movie is a strong commentary on love, loss, and longing.

In summary, Gandhi, My Father is a poignant portrayal of one of the most historically significant father-son relationships in Indian history. With cinematic brilliance and emotional depth, this film is bound to leave you contemplating the intricacies of familial relationships and the pursuit of personal and national identity.