Ghandi film opens to controversy in India
A new film that explores the turbulent relationship between Mahatma Gandhi and his first-born son is causing controversy in India for allegedly undermining Gandhi’s revered status as ’father of the nation’.
“Gandhi, My Father”, which is released worldwide today, has attracted protests for daring to delve into the darker side of Gandhi, a man who for many Indians is an irreproachable national icon.
Last month prominent Gandhians wrote to both the president and prime minister of India calling for the film’s release to be banned, arguing it was disrespectful and broke laws banning the use of national heroes for commercial gain....
The film, directed by the British-based Indian writer-director Feroz Abbas Khan, explores the conflict between Gandhi’s loyalty to his own strict principles and his wayward son, Harilal, whom he ultimately disowned.
The film shows Gandhi as a distant and at times self-indulgent father at the centre of a messy family struggle, torn between his public duty and a son desperately seeking love and attention from his father.
Read entire article at Telegraph (UK)
“Gandhi, My Father”, which is released worldwide today, has attracted protests for daring to delve into the darker side of Gandhi, a man who for many Indians is an irreproachable national icon.
Last month prominent Gandhians wrote to both the president and prime minister of India calling for the film’s release to be banned, arguing it was disrespectful and broke laws banning the use of national heroes for commercial gain....
The film, directed by the British-based Indian writer-director Feroz Abbas Khan, explores the conflict between Gandhi’s loyalty to his own strict principles and his wayward son, Harilal, whom he ultimately disowned.
The film shows Gandhi as a distant and at times self-indulgent father at the centre of a messy family struggle, torn between his public duty and a son desperately seeking love and attention from his father.