Mahatma Gandhi's 150th Birth Anniversary: Films inspired by the life of Mahatma Gandhi

The entertainment industry has never failed to explore history, it has often given out films referring to historical events and eminent personalities. One of such great Indian leader was Mahatma Gandhi, whose story has made it to the silver screen quite a few times. Bollywood has made several films, that explored the life of the Indian freedom fighter. Officially honoured as 'Bapu', the Father of the Nation of India, Gandhi is known for his contribution in India's fight against the British Raj.  

As the whole country is gearing up to celebrate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, on Tuesday, October 2, here's a look at the one can watch to commemorate the great Indian leader:

 Gandhi (1982) 

'Gandhi', which released in 1982, tops the list of movies that narrated the story of Gandhi's struggle for the Independence of India. The Oscar-winning film was directed by Richard Attenborough and is considered as one of the best films ever made on the freedom fighter. It is also included in the list of highest-grossing Indian films in overseas markets, after 'Dangal' and 'Secret Superstar'. The film has bagged several prestigious awards and in fact,  it has won Ben Kingsley, the actor featured as Mahatma Gandhi,  the Academy Award for Best Actor.

(Source: IMDb)

The Making of the Mahatma  (1996)

Shyam Benegal's directorial, 'The Making of the Mahatma' focuses on the story of how Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, a London-trained barrister, turns into a freedom fighter after facing racism and fighting for the rights of Asian labourers. It tells the story of Mahatma before taking a stand for India's independence. The film which was a joint venture of Indian and South Africa released on April 26, 1996. It featured Rajit Kapoor as Barrister Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and won him the   National Film Award for Best Actor in 1996.

(Source: IMDb)

Hey Ram (2000)

'Hey Ram' the Indian alternate historical fiction-political thriller was scripted, helmed and produced by Kamal Haasan, who also acted as the protagonist in the film. The film narrates the story of a man, Saketh Ram who joins a gang that wants to assassinate to kill Mahatma Gandhi after his wife is raped during the Partition. The film has won three National Film Awards and has been widely lauded by the viewers and the critics.

(Source: IMDb)

Gandhi, My Father (2007)

Feroz Abbas Khan's directorial 'Gandhi, My Father' narrates the story of Gandhi's his eldest son Harilal Gandhi and focuses on the relationship shared by the father and son. Unable to live up to his father's standards, Harilal gets disoriented in life. The film starred Darshan Jariwala as Mahatma Gandhi and  Akshaye Khanna as Harilal Gandhi. The movie released on August 3, 2007, won National Film Awards for the director.  

(Source: IMDb)

Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2010)

Although Rajkumar Hirani's Comedy drama 'Lage Raho Munna Bhai' had no direct connection with Mahatma Gandhi's life, it was based much on his ideologies. The movie that starred Sanjay Dutt in the lead role focused on how a rowdy eventually turns to be a nobleman influenced by Gandhi's preachings. The movie featured Dilip Prabhavalkar as the image of Mahatma Gandhi in the film.

(Source: IMDb)