The Making of the Mahatma

The Making of the Mahatma is a 1996 Indian-English biographical film, directed by internationally acclaimed filmmaker Shyam Benegal. It provides an evocative portrayal of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi's impactful years in South Africa, which fueled his transformation into Mahatma Gandhi, the revered leader and national father figure of India. The film starred Rajit Kapoor, Pallavi Joshi, and Keith Stevenson in leading roles, providing powerful performances that adeptly captured the essence of their historical characters.

The film takes the viewers back to 1893, where a young Indian lawyer, played by Rajit Kapoor, arrives in South Africa to work on a case. The young lawyer is none other than Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, unaware of the path that lay ahead of him. His initial confrontations with a deeply entrenched system of racial discrimination and segregation awaken in him a deep sense of justice and dignity for all human beings, gradually evolving his political and social consciousness.

Rajit Kapoor, the lead actor, masterfully embodies Gandhi's growth from a naïve, young attorney into a robust and determined activist, progressively taking on the mantle of a leader and spokesperson for the Indian community in South Africa. Kapoor's performance is highly commendable for its depth and sensitivity, striking a perfect balance between Gandhi's inner turmoil and his reflective calm, a quality that became his identifying beacon in years to come.

One of the critical arches in this film is Gandhi's personal life, particularly his relationship with his wife Kasturba Gandhi, portrayed by Pallavi Joshi. This part of the narrative helps to establish Kasturba as an enabler and unwavering supporter of Gandhi's transforming ideals, dealing with her evolution from a conventional housewife to a courageous partner in Gandhi's fight for equality and justice. Pallavi Joshi shined in her role, bringing out the complexities of Kasturba's character with nuance and conviction.

Keith Stevenson, on the other hand, plays the archetypal colonial antagonist in the film. His role demonstrates the persistent and stringent white supremacy during this era, providing a stark juxtaposition to Gandhi's fight against prejudice and inhuman behavior.

Shyam Benagal's direction in The Making of the Mahatma meticulously builds each scene to showcase the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of Gandhi's life during his 21-year tenure in South Africa. Alongside the honest performances of the cast, Benegal distinctly draws attention to Gandhi's philosophy of Satyagraha or passive resistance, and its formative roots in this period of his life.

One of the film's most admirable qualities is its commitment to historical accuracy. The Making of the Mahatma avoids over-glamorization and refrains from transforming into a hagiographic account of its titular character. Instead, it showcases Gandhi as a man, subject to flaws, doubts, and errors, thereby humanizing this icon of peace and non-violence.

The cinematography by celebrated cinematographer Govind Nihalani is another notable facet of this film. The panoramic frames capturing the haunting beauty of South African landscapes juxtapose with the gritty reality of racial segregation. This scenic duality complements the overriding theme of Gandhi's struggle with dualities in his personal and political life during this time.

The film's screenplay, based on the book 'The Apprenticeship of a Mahatma', by Fatima Meer, provides a firm narrative backbone that successfully blends the personal and political aspects of Gandhi's life. It uses dialogue effectively, capturing thought-provoking themes and the layered character interactions with finesse.

In conclusion, The Making of the Mahatma is an earnest yet compelling portrayal of a critical period in the life of Mahatma Gandhi. It effectively depicts the maturation of his political philosophy, his personal struggle within his marital life, and his steadfast adherence to the principles of truth and non-violence. This film is a must-watch for individuals globally, who wish to gain a better understanding of Gandhi's evolution into a figure of global resonance. Through a splendid combination of gripping performances, astute direction, and enthralling storytelling, it provides a valuable insight into the early years that shaped an ordinary Mohandas into an extraordinary 'Mahatma'.