Learn Indian and World History Through Movies

Learn history through movies.

Movies on Mahatma Gandhi

Oct 2 is celebrated in India as Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday (known as Gandhi Jayanti), a man who changed the course of the future of India, with his ideas of non violence.

Gandhi (1982)

While several movies have been made on Bapu, the most successful one was Richard Attenborough directed movie ‘Gandhi’, in which the Father of the Nation was brilliantly portrayed by Bens Kingsley.

The movie won Oscar awards for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor.

Mahatma: Life of Gandhi (1968)

A five hour documentary, directed by Vithalbhai Jhaveri, Gandhi’s story is mostly narrated using Gandhi’s own words. Live photography and old prints were also used to provide a realistic image of his life.

Did you know?
Despite being considered as one of the strongest symbols of peace and non-violence across the world, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (his real name) never got the Nobel Peace prize, despite being nominated five times and shortlisted three times for the Nobel Prize. Here’s an interesting article on WSJ.

The Making of the Mahatma (1996)

Directed by Shyam Benegal, the movie focuses on the young Gandhi (played by Rajit Kapoor) and his early years in South Africa. Its based on Fatima Meer’s book “The Apprenticeship of the Mahatma”.

Movies on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Sardar (1993)

Directed by Ketan Mehta, the movie focusses on Sardar Vallabhbhai patel’s (played by Paresh Rawal) role in the freedom struggle. The movie also shows how Sardar’s perception of Bapu changes after listening to one of Bapu’s lectures.

Movies on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose – The Forgotten Hero (2004)

Directed by Shyam Benegal, “Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose – The Forgotten Hero” depicts the struggles of Netaji as he fought for India’s independence. “FREEDOM is not GIVEN,it is TAKEN” – by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

Movies on Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar (2000)

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar (2000)

Directed by Jabbar Patel, this is among the very few films based on the struggles of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. The role of Ambedkar was played by Mammootty and Mohan Gokhale played the part of Gandhi.

Movies on Bhagat Singh

The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002)

Directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, the movie’s protagonist is Bhagat Singh (played by Ajay Devgn) who’s popularity is shown to be on par with that of Gandhi (many claim it was that way in real life). Towards the end, Gandhi (played by Surendra Rajan) is shown as having failed to stop the hanging of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev & Rajguru when he signs a pact with Lord Irwin.

ICSE History Projects

Q. Discuss the relevance of any one of the following films to understand the history of 20th Century Europe: The Book Thief, Schindler’s List, Escape to Victory, The Boy in Striped Pyjamas, Life is Beautiful, The Sound of Music, Gandhi (Richard Attenborough), Sardar (Ketan Mehta), Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose – The Forgotten Hero (Shyam Benegal).

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