Movie Review: Gandhi, My Father

Amit Das

20 August 2007, 17:17

I watched Gandhi, My Father sometime back, and I would recommend it to all you readers.

The movie is not about Gandhi – the Father of the Nation. Its about Gandhi, the failed father of a failed son. The greatness of this movie is not in the greatness/Gandhi surname of its protagonists, but the fact that you come out of this 140 minute session without blaming either of the two. Coupled with some great performances from Akshaye Khanna, Darshan Jariwala, Shefali Chaya and Bhoomika Chawla , this movie is an extremely sensitive portrayal of an issue which could have ignited quite a few factions in the society. However, having gone looking for good acting and some nice controversy (oh yes, I was expecting that!), I came out having seen an excellent movie, directed with photographic finesse, enacted with artistic excellence, and consciously staying away from controversy while communicating everything the storyteller wanted to say.

The relationship between the Father and the Son is best described in a shot of the movie – Harilal reaches South Africa. Gandhiji could not go to the port to receive him. His retort – itne kaam hai aur waqt itna kam. Next day, at the onset of dusk, Harilal goes to meet Mahatma, touches his feet and sits next to him. It’s a shot where only the silhouettes are shown and you can see an older but perfectly straight Mahatma Gandhi sitting next to a younger but slightly slouched/bent over Harilal. That posture, that subtlety, defines the relationship and the kind of people the two were.

Now, I might inviting the ire of a lot of people (critics, bloggers) who would call the movie drab, slow, unauthentic, lacking details, etc etc., but I guess I am entitled to my opinion.

Unlike many who love or hate the Father of the Nation in totality, I still have mixed feelings about Gandhiji. I respect him for being one of the greatest leaders of all times, and for bringing the entire (well, almost) nation under one philosophy. But at the same time, I don’t consider him a God reincarnate who could not have made mistakes. I do agree with some of the views of the nation paying a price for some of his decisions. That said, it does not take away all that he did for a nation that comes together in two situations only – either a cricket match or a war.

Anyway – the movie is about Harilal, Mahatma Gandhi’s son, and his relationship with his father, who incidentally, was the Father of the Nation. Its not about the Mahatma Gandhi family. Its not about the three other sons of Gandhiji. Neither is it about Kasturba Gandhi (Ba), or Gulab (Harilal’s wife). They exist in the movie as supplements to the relationship between Gandhiji and Harilal. And to that extent, full marks to the director for being so focused on what he wanted to show.

Direction is good, albeit slow at places. But lets not forget that this movie could not have had singing-dancing the way run of the mill movies have. Neither do I think that a deep exploration of relationships is best shown at a rocket pace (remember? The “Art Movies” of yesteryears? wink wink!).

Its definitely acting where the movie scores a home run. Akshay and Darshan are phenomenal in their performances. Akshay continues to be one of the most underrated actors of the industry. The way he essays a character is quite understated and restrained. And that’s what makes him so lovable. Despite the fact that Harilal does come across as an idiot by the end of the movie, you don’t come out of the theatre hating him. You feel pity for him.

The surprise package, surely, is Darshan. I havn’t seen a lot of him and had no idea how good or bad an actor he was. I remember him from comedy serials, where he played his part well. But this movie marks his coming of age (high time ). Gandhi is not the easiest role to play. From what I understand, and what I have imagined Mahatma Gandhi to be, Darshan did bring it to life. Gandhiji for me – perpetual smile/amusement/wonder, the ease with which he went about handling the most difficult of circumstances, his walk, his proud personality inside a (seemingly) frail body – I could feel that Darshan has done justice to his character.

Even Shefali Chaya as Kasturba Gandhi and Bhoomika Chawla as Gulab Gandhi have performed brilliantly. Their silent agony tears you apart at times.

My endnote on this movie – If you have the sensibility of keeping your emotions for Gandhiji (as the Father of the Nation) aside, while evaluating what human relationships are all about, you should definitely see this movie. If you are looking for some mudslinging on Gandhiji/Harilal, then this is not the movie for you. This movie is just a reflection of a proverb from Indian mythology– one of the heaviest burdens to carry on your shoulders is that of your father’s fame.

Rating: 9 on 10. 1 point deducted for the last 20 minutes which are a little slow.

Comment

  1. Hi Amit
    Wanted to share with you that I went to see this movie with a lot of expectations – considering the hype that preceded the release.

    I was a bit disappointed with the sympathy gathering angle that the maker took. It made the film less intelligent than it could have been.

    But Darshan Jariwalla – I’m with you there – was just BRILLIANT !! Reminded one so much of Ben Kingsley’s portrayal (esp. the purposeful gait), and yet was good enough to leave a mark for himself.

    Cheers,
    Mallika

    — Mallika Trivedi · Aug 22, 23:59 · #

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