Today marks the 150th birth anniversary of the unforgettable freedom fighter Mahatma Gandhi, who is a symbol of 'ahimsa' meaning non-violence. While the Hindi cinema has been celebrating his principles throughout the years, this Gandhi Jayanti will see an unsung war between violence and freedom on the silver screen.
Mahatma Gandhi who always stood by the path of truth and non-violence has inspired millions including the filmmakers who have celebrated his inspiring life-journey in numerous films like Gandhi (1982), The Making of Mahatma (1996), Gandhi My Father (2007), Hey Ram (2000), among others.
Not only his life but the principles Gandhi lived by throughout his life had also taken centre stage in films like Lage Rahe Munna Bhai (2006). The film depicts how Gandhian principles are still relevant in present-day life. The Sanjay Dutt-starrer also introduced a new term 'Gandhigiri' in India.
Cut to present, two big films are releasing on this Gandhi Jayanti, one based on the freedom fighter. The day will see a box-office clash between action-thriller War and period-drama Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy.
War is a power-packed action-thriller featuring Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff as rivals who set out on a violent mission again each other.
On the other hand, Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy is based on the epic story of Kurnool-based freedom fighter Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy who led a revolt against the British. The film is set 10 years before India's independence movement, which took place in 1857.
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Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy celebrates the unsung warriors who wrote history with their blood. The film might not trace Gandhi's journey, but it surely reflects his aim to attain freedom from the chains of British slavery, a fire ignited more than a decade before his birth.
Contrary to Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy, War is a high-octane action drama, shot in exotic locations around the globe. The film promises a lot of breathtaking chase-sequences between Hrithik and Tiger, which is bound to leave fans spell-bound.
While the two biggies releasing this Gandhi Jayanti have a lot to offer in terms of action, drama, thrill, war, violence and more, the makers have surely missed out a great opportunity to cater to the Indian audience with a subject revelant to the day.
On the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, lovingly called as Bapu, the producers who usually eye for a holiday release to gather more audience, would have put forth a strong content glorifying the contribution of the freedom fighter holding relevance for the historic day.
As Gandhi has not only inspired millions but is an iconic figure carved in the minds of the audience, for his contribution to the nation can never be forgotten, and hence every Indian would have cherished a film acknowledging his freedom struggle.
Well, Hindi cinema has surely paid tribute to Gandhi with its rich content-driven films based on the visionary leader. However, it's been a while since the audience got a glimpse of the uncelebrated aspects of Gandhi's life.
With the Hindi cinema flourishing in all aspects, especially in content, over the recent years, we hope that it never stops dignifying the freedom fighters who sweat out their blood to free their successors from the shackles of slavery.
