Gandhigiri

Set against the backdrop of contemporary India, Gandhigiri is a dramatic social film released in 2016. Directed by Sanoj Mishra, the film is headlined by an acclaimed ensemble cast including highly versatile actor Sanjay Mishra, Rishi Bhutani, and Virendra Singh. It beautifully captures the relevance and importance of Gandhian values in today’s modern society.

Gandhigiri narrates the tale of Rai Saheb (played by Om Puri in one of his last appearances), a devout follower of Mahatma Gandhi who believes in his principles religiously. He is a man filled with selflessness and a great believer in the rights of every citizen. After serving a term in prison in London during his early years, Rai Saheb ends up at a prison in India where he meets four other inmates who come from different walks of life. Throughout his interactions with these four individuals, he experiences various facets of the societal challenges of India.

The story then progresses through a series of events after their release where Rai Saheb attempts to teach them about the principles of Gandhi, such as Satyagraha, nonviolence, and truth. However, in an era of rampant extortion, moral disintegration, and twisting societal values, Rai Saheb's teachings seem like an anachronism. The principle theme of the movie centers on the question: Is Gandhism still relevant in a fast-paced, volatile and modern world?

Rishi Bhutani, playing as NRI Rai Saheb's son Yuvraj, ignites a significant sub-plot of the film. Yuvraj, unlike his father, is initially a non-believer in Gandhi’s principles. He is a modern and pragmatic man who finds himself torn between the practicalities of the ruthless business world and the Gandhian values taught by his father. His emotional journey becomes a major part of the storyline, and it is indeed a sight to behold as he goes through a myriad of transformative experiences, and his eventual realization of the importance of these principles that have been passed down from generation to generation forms the apex of the narrative.

One of the most powerful sequences of Gandhigiri is anchored by Sanjay Mishra's exceptional portrayal of a wheel-chair bound man on the verge of losing hope completely due to the corruption-inflicted issues. As Rai Saheb helps him rediscover the optimism and power of nonviolence, the narrative of Gandhigiri keeps the audience thoroughly engaged and emotionally invested. Other characters portrayed by actors Virendra Singh, Dolly Chawla, Meghna Haldar, Anupam Shyam, and Mukesh Tiwari also contribute significantly to moving the story forward.

From a score standpoint, the film features soulful music, composed by Sahil Rayyan and Shivam Pathak, that beautifully accentuates the narrative. Songs like "Bhatti Garam Hai" and "Ka Kha" became popular and continue to touch the audience with their powerful lyrics and intense beats.

Director Sanoj Mishra should be credited for his thoughtful depiction of contemporary issues through the lens of Gandhism. He weaves an elaborate social fabric and provides an engaging narrative that keeps the audience hooked onto the screen. Throughout the film, he successfully provokes viewers to reflect on the power of truth, peace, and righteousness, thereby presenting the relevance of Gandhian values in a new light.

On the flip side, Gandhigiri also invites some criticisms for its dragged pacing and predictable dialogues at times. However, the solid performances from the main cast, the melodious soundtrack and its overall message makes it worthy of watching.

In conclusion, Gandhigiri is a deep, thoughtful exploration of the relevance and application of Gandhism in today's corrupt and fast-paced world. It is a powerful social commentary that serves a heavy dose of inspiration for viewers, stirring them to think about the principles they adhere to, and nudging to consider the time-tested values of non-violence, truth, and self-reliance. The performances of the lead cast, especially Sanjay Mishra and Om Puri, add much-needed nuance and gravity to this tale, lending it an air of authenticity and engaging realism. Gandhigiri is surely an interesting watch for those pondering the state of today's society and for lovers of cinematic explorations of social themes.