All Indians can trace their life back to Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, whose teachings have had a profound influence on society. His life, evolution, and works continue to pique people's curiosity. On October 2, we commemorate his birth anniversary as a national holiday. The life and work of Gandhi Ji had been the topic of numerous books, documentaries, and films. Many directors have tried to bring his character to life on screen.
Gandhi Jayanti 2025: why Mahatma’s teachings are still relevant today
The capacity to perceive the unity and interconnection of all things was a part of Mahatma's brilliance. Peace, love, and integrity were the guiding principles of the movement he spearheaded to overthrow British control in India. Human rights and sustainable development were also part of his expansive vision, which extended well beyond the realm of politics. To achieve justice and transformation, Gandhi advocated for nonviolence as both a political approach and a philosophy in its own right. To cite just one example, even though it was socially unacceptable at the time, Gandhi spearheaded initiatives to ensure that people had access to safe drinking water and sanitary facilities because he knew how important it was. We should be inspired by Gandhi's attempts to call the "untouchables" and lower-caste people "Harijan" or "Children of God" so that we too do not leave anyone behind and may assist those who are most in need first. Despite his reputation as one of history's greatest leaders, Gandhi saw the world through the eyes of the lowest and most humble. His principles are universally applicable.
On a wide range of topics, including environmental protection, justice promotion, education, and inequality, Gandhi's teachings and legacy live on. Among his many thought-provoking teachings is the significance of courageously facing the truth, which he continues to stress. Gandhi may have left behind his most significant legacy by establishing a culture of peace, demonstrating the effectiveness of nonviolent noncooperation, and bringing global attention to the gap between our actions and our potential.
We have compiled a list of films and documentaries about his life that you should not miss. Want to celebrate Gandhi Jayanti 2025 the right way? Here are some of the best movies and documentaries on Mahatma Gandhi that you should watch!
Best movies on Mahatma Gandhi
Nine Hours to Rama (1963)
Mark Robson's 1963 British film Nine Hours to Rama details the nine hours of Nathuram Godse's life that culminated in Gandhi's murder. The film—which featured Horst Buchholz, Diane Baker, Jose Ferrer, and Robert Morley—was based on the same-titled 1962 book. Celebrate Gandhi Jayanti 2025 by watching one of the first movies on the Father of the Nation.
The Making of the Mahatma (1996)
In the 1996 film The Making of the Mahatma, Gandhi Ji is seen during his time in South Africa, when he encountered racial prejudice, which led him to begin a nonviolent campaign and alter the course of his life. The film is based on Fatima Meer's novel, The Apprenticeship of a Mahatma. Shyam Benegal directed the film, which starred Rajit Kapur as a youthful Gandhi, and is one of the best movies on Mahatma Gandhi to watch on Gandhi Jayanti 2025.
Gandhi My Father (2007)
The film Gandhi My Father, which won a national award, dealt with the strained connection between Mahatma Gandhi and his son Hiralal Gandhi. Hiralal felt that his father, the "Father of the Nation," had failed him as a father. Darshan Jariwala plays the role of Gandhi, while Akshaye Khanna plays Hiralal Gandhi, and this is one of the best movies on Mahatma Gandhi to watch.
Gandhi (1982)
The epic biographical drama directed by Richard Attenborough offers an iconic portrayal of Gandhi's life and work, from his participation in the liberation fight until his murder in 1948. The Ben Kingsley vehicle grossed $52 million at the US movie office- and is one of the must watch Mahatma Gandhi movies to watch this Gandhi Jayanti 2025.
Sardar (1993)
The Gandhi connection is extensively explored in the biopic on Sardar Vallabhai Patel, which also includes significant allusions to Gandhi. Starring alongside Paresh Rawal, Annu Kapoor, and Benjamin Gilani was director Ketan Mehta.
Hey Ram (2000)
Indian Partition and Gandhi's assassination served as the basis for Kamal Haasan's semi-fictional film. It earned 5 crore rupees at the box office and featured Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji.
Maine Gandhi Ko Nahi Mara (2005)
The film's protagonist, a retired professor afflicted with dementia, comes to believe that he unintentionally murdered Gandhi, as told in the screenplay by Jahnu Barua. The film, which starred Anupam Kher and Urmila Matondkar, was a box office hit and was a highly critically acclaimed film!
Lage Raho Munnabhai (2006)
In the comedy-drama directed by Rajkumar Hirani, the main character took up Gandhian principles of love and compassion in order to better society. The film's box office earnings were Rs 74 crore, and it starred Sanjay Dutt. If you want a lighthearted way to celebrate Gandhi Jayanti 2025, you have to watch (or rewtatch) this film