One Film that forces you to THINK???. Review on Gandhi My Father

*The wind might lift me and throw me in the tide, The waves might tear me, for its strength is wide.I might never rise again, or I might rise higher if destiny allows, But let me be myself for once, a kite in the deep blue sky.

And this thought is the source that makes the film Gandhi My Father. The first film produced by Anil Kapoor in collaboration with Eros International, this one was definately a good attempt. Revolving around a father who lives by his principles and an emotionally disturbed son, trying to find his identity in a world that idolises his father, needless to say, towards the end you are forced to think as to who's the victim and whose the victimised.

The film is mostly in flashback with Gandhiji's eldest son Harilal, lying as an unidentified patient in a general hospital. The story is depicted with Harilal remembering the different important incidents that occured through his lifetime. His constant conflict with Bapu and Bapu's ideology is the main agenda here. Coming to think about it, Harilal looks up to Bapu and is in a way proud of him. But at the same time, he is more of the man who can praise his dad for the good he does but can never persuade himself wholeheartedly to be a part of that good path. His political ambitions are never really high. He dreams about becoming a barrister in London and depends on his father to make things happen. But wait a minute.His is no household, mediocore dad. We are talking about the MAHATMA, the Gandhi, the Father of our Nation. And Bapu is impartial right to the core. And believes that the only the capable should be given the best oppurunity to his credit. His thinking is simple and flawless in  away. And this kind of simplicity was not acceptable in any era. Because the Human Mind is one complicated piece. Harilal often becomes a victim to these complexities and failures. Anger and frustration pave way into his soul and finally a man or should we say a family sees silent destruction.

Harilal goes through several phases and in time earns a bad name. Becoming a drunkard, visiting prostitutes, cheating people in the name of Bapu to finally converting to Islam in an attempt to break free from the Gandhian values that increasingly haunt him, This is a story of one man and the curses life places on him.

However one can see that Harilal is very much attached to his Ba and his wife Gulab and often seeks their company as refuge against all his devastation.

All in all, a good film, well made and some very fine performances. Akshaye Khanna as Harilal scores pretty well. Zariwalla, the one who played Gandhi gives exemplary performance. Bhumika Chawla as Gulab Gandhi, doesnt really have much to do in the film. But the dark horse is Shefali Chaaya as Kasturba. Her silent pauses and a role of a mother caught up between two extremes!!! A vulnerable role essayed with perfection.

I am not telling you about my favourite scenes in the film, because if I do, it might just take away some excitement and the awe one feels after viewing a well done job.So catch this enigmatic piece in a theatre nearby. And if done, pls mail your comments. I am Waitin darlingssss!!!!*