Gandhi delves into father, son relation

By Staff

Published: Tuesday, June 19, 2007, 16:27 [IST]

By: Upala KBR, Mid-Day
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Anil Kapoor's much-awaited film, Gandhi - My Father, directed by Feroz Abbas Khan, will release on August 3.

While Kapoor, who is making his debut as a solo producer with this film, is reticent to give details, he says, "Gandhi - My Father is my first production and is very close to my heart.

We've gone all the way to ensure that a film of international standards is made. It's a powerful story that I think every father and every son must see."

Truth hurts

The film gives a fascinating insight into the relationship between Mahatma Gandhi and his eldest son, Harilal, a relationship that hasn't been delved into much until now.

It tells us not so much about Gandhi, the father of the nation, but a real life father to his son.

One thought-provoking dialogue by Gandhi in the film runs thus: "How long can we go on protecting our children even in crime? What kind of society do we wish to create?".

In another scene, Harilal says, "Dear Bapu, in your laboratory of experiments, I am the one truth that has gone wrong." Gandhi - My Father is based on the biography of Harilal Gandhi by Chandulal Dalal. About Akshaye, Anil sums it up in one sentence, "Akshaye was born to play Harilal."

Trivia

Gandhi - My Father is said to be one of the biggest films in terms of scale

Most of the principal technicians are international technicians

The film has been shot extensively in South Africa, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Bhoir near Pune

The period details have been carefully etched out

Darshan Jariwalla (who plays Gandhi) had to lose almost 20 kilos to fit into the role

Cast

Akshaye Khanna - Harilal Gandhi

Bhoomika Chawla - Gulab Gandhi

Darshan Jariwala - Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

Shefali Shah - Kasturba Gandhi

Vinay Jai - Kanti Gandhi