Gandhi 1983

On January 30, 1948, as he makes his way to an evening prayer service, the elderly Gandhi, portrayed by Ben Kingsley, receives assistance for his evening stroll. Surrounded by admirers and well-wishers, tragedy strikes when Nathuram Godse (played by Harsh Nayyar) shoots him at point-blank range. In his final moments, Gandhi utters, > “Oh, God!” before collapsing. By his side are Manu (Supriya Pathak) and Abha (Neena Gupta), witnessing the end of a remarkable life dedicated to peace. His state funeral becomes a historic event attended by millions from diverse backgrounds, as a radio reporter eloquently recounts his transformative impact on the world.

Dignitaries including Jawaharlal Nehru (Roshan Seth), Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (Saeed Jaffrey), Maulana Azad (Virendra Razdan), and Lord Louis Mountbatten (Peter Harlowe) pay their respects during the ceremony, highlighting the significant loss felt across the nation.

The story travels back to 1893, where a young and idealistic Gandhi faces discrimination on a train in South Africa, despite holding a valid first-class ticket. There, he meets Khan (Amrish Puri), who sheds light on the grim reality facing Indians under apartheid. This experience ignites Gandhi’s commitment to advocating for rights through non-violent protest, which is met with aggression as he faces police brutality for burning discriminatory passes. With the unwavering support of Kasturba Gandhi (Rohini Hattangadi) and their three children, he begins to rally fellow Indians for their entitlements.

The narrative deepens as Reverend Charles Freer Andrews (Ian Charleson) arrives from India, where Gandhi shares his philosophies rooted in non-violence highlighted in various religious texts. During this time, Vince Walker (played by Martin Sheen), a fictional journalist from the New York Times, encounters Gandhi and documents his burgeoning movement against oppressive laws imposed by General Jan Smuts (Athol Fugard), which include invasive regulations targeting Indian citizens.

Gandhi’s movement gains momentum, drawing followers and facing considerable resistance, including opposition from his own wife, Kasturba. He establishes an ashram, a community promoting equality and religious freedom, though he faces challenges in implementing some of his ideals, such as compelling Kasturba to adhere to the ashram’s cleaning schedule.

As various protests and campaigns unfold, Gandhi’s popularity rises, leading to notable victories against oppressive laws. By 1915, he returns to India as a celebrated figure, urged by leaders like Nehru and Patel to fight for India’s independence. Tensions arise with Muhammad Ali Jinnah (Alyque Padamsee), a Congress party member seeking to alter the power dynamics.

Gandhi’s commitment to addressing grassroots issues is evident during the Champaran agitation, where he confronts the plight of farmers oppressed by the British landlords, solidifying his reputation as “Bapu,” or father, among the Indian populace.

As the Quit India movement progresses, Gandhi advocates for non-cooperation with British authorities, facing both setbacks—including violent incidents and repeated imprisonments—while the movement garners significant attention both nationally and internationally. The dramatic climax builds when Gandhi leads the Salt March, protesting the unjust salt tax imposed by the British, with international media coverage amplifying the importance of the event.

Following the conclusion of WWII, Lord Mountbatten becomes the new Viceroy of India, ultimately leading the country toward independence, albeit with the heavy cost of partition along religious lines between India and Pakistan. Opposing this division, Gandhi pleads for unity and peace, even as civil strife flares up, resulting in widespread violence and chaos.

As communal tensions escalate with one of his dissenters, Godse, plotting his assassination, Gandhi dedicates his final days to reconciling the conflict. His untimely death marks the end of an era, but his legacy endures. Following his cremation, his ashes are ceremoniously scattered in the Ganges, leaving audiences with a poignant reflection on his profound journey and the enduring message of peace he imparted to the world.