Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti: 6 Movies That Celebrate His Legacy

Every year, on October 2nd, India celebrates the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. We hear his name so often that sometimes, we forget the depth of who he really was. Not just the man on our currency notes or in school textbooks. But the man who chose truth over comfort. Who believed that one person could stand up to an empire without lifting a single weapon.

Beyond tributes, parades, and speeches, cinema has played a profound role in preserving and sharing Bapu’s philosophy of nonviolence, truth, and peace with new generations. Over the years, several filmmakers have attempted to explore his life, legacy, and influence through compelling storytelling. If you're looking for the best movies on Mahatma Gandhi, this list has you covered with a diverse lineup of films that explore different facets of his life and legacy.

1. Gandhi

   Director: Richard Attenborough
   Release date: 30 November 1982
   Starring: Ben Kingsley, Rohini Hattangadi, Roshan Seth, Amrish Puri
   
   Arguably the most well-known movie about Mahatma Gandhi, this Academy Award-winning biopic brought the Mahatma to global audiences. Ben Kingsley’s stunning portrayal earned him an Oscar, and the film swept many Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

   From his early days in South Africa to leading India’s freedom struggle, Gandhi is a powerful cinematic tribute. It doesn’t just show Gandhi’s life; it makes you feel the weight of his choices. Therefore, it is a must-watch for anyone who wants an insight into Mahatma Gandhi’s life and vision.

2. The Making of the Mahatma

   Director: Shyam Benegal
   Release date: 4 October 1996
   Starring: Rajit Kapur, Pallavi Joshi, Paul Slabolepszy, Sean Cameron Michael

   Based on the book, The Apprenticeship of a Mahatma by Fatima Meer, this film focuses on Gandhi’s transformative 21 years in South Africa. It’s during this period that Mohandas turned into Mahatma, discovering the power of nonviolent protest. It’s one of the best movies on Mahatma Gandhi for viewers interested in his ideological evolution.
   
   Rajit Kapur was recognised with the National Film Award for Best Actor in 1996 for his portrayal of Gandhi. The film also received the National Award for Best Feature Film in English, a reflection of its thoughtful storytelling and grounded direction.

3. Hey Ram

   Director: Kamal Haasan
   Release date: 18 February 2000
   Starring: Kamal Haasan, Shah Rukh Khan, Hema Malini, Rani Mukerji, Vasundhara Das

   Hey Ram, isn’t your usual Gandhi film. Directed and starred in by Kamal Haasan. It tells the story from a completely different angle. The story is seen through the eyes of a man who begins with the intent to kill Gandhi but is gradually transformed by the very values he set out to destroy.
   
   The film takes you through some of the darkest moments in India’s history: the Partition, the communal violence, and of course, Gandhi’s assassination. It’s raw and emotional and doesn’t shy away from the messy, complicated side of those events. Kamal Haasan leads a great cast that includes Shah Rukh Khan, making his Tamil film debut, along with Hema Malini and Rani Mukerji.

4. Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara

   Director: Jahnu Barua
   Release date: 30 September 2005
   Starring: Anupam Kher, Urmila Matondkar, Rajit Kapur, Parvin Dabas, Prem Chopra

   A psychological drama rather than a historical account, this film tells the story of a retired professor who suffers from dementia and begins to believe he’s being blamed for Gandhi’s assassination. It’s a metaphorical exploration of society's neglect of Gandhian ideals.
   
   Through the professor's deteriorating mental state, the audience is invited to question the ways in which we remember and honour our past. Anupam Kher’s performance is exceptional, and the film subtly critiques how modern India has forgotten the values Bapu stood for.

5. Lage Raho Munna Bhai

   Director: Rajkumar Hirani
   Release date: 1 September 2006
   Starring: Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, Vidya Balan

   While not a biopic, this cult classic reintroduced Gandhi’s teachings to a modern audience through the concept of Gandhigiri. Munna Bhai, a gangster, starts seeing visions of Gandhi and applies his principles of nonviolence and truth in everyday life.
   
   The film became a cultural phenomenon, sparking real-life movements inspired by Gandhian values. A perfect mix of humour, heart, and philosophy, this is one of the most creative movies inspired by Mahatma Gandhi. It successfully brought Gandhi's message of peace and compassion to a new generation, making an impact on viewers.

6. Gandhi, My Father

   Director: Feroz Abbas Khan
   Release date: 3 August 2007
   Starring: Akshaye Khanna, Darshan Jariwala, Shefali Shah, Bhumika Chawla
   
   Based on the biography Harilal Gandhi: A Life, the story unpacks the silent pain of a son who spent his life in the shadow of a father worshipped by a nation, and a father, in pursuit of a moral ideal, could not always offer what his son needed most.
   
   Darshan Jariwala delivers a subtle yet compelling performance as Gandhi, while Akshaye Khanna captures the turmoil and pain of a son (Harilal Gandhi) struggling to carve out his own identity. Gandhi, My Father is more than just a historical film; it’s a poignant exploration of family and the heavy price of living in the shadow of someone else’s greatness.

Watch Gandhi’s Legacy Unfold with Vi

Some stories don’t need grand effects or loud voices; they speak in silence, in stillness, in truth. Movies on Mahatma Gandhi still stir something in us. If you’re planning to stream a listed movie about Mahatma Gandhi without any interruptions, then Vi’s prepaid and postpaid plans have got your back. You can opt for plenty of unlimited data, late-night unlimited streaming, and access to platforms like Netflix, Zee5, JioHotstar, Sony LIV, and more at no extra cost.

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Mahatma Gandhi's legacy is too vast to be captured in any single movie, but these films offer important windows into his life and struggles. Whether you’re discovering his story for the first time or revisiting his teachings, Mahatma Gandhi movies serve as powerful reminders of how one man's resolve changed the fate of a nation.

So, this Gandhi Jayanti, take a moment to watch one of these impactful films not just as a tribute but as an opportunity to reflect on the values that continue to shape India and inspire the world.