The Making of the Mahatma (1996)

In the heart of Britain, a bitter feud ensues between two Mohammedan cousins of Indian origin. They seek the aid of a distinguished Indian barrister, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, to travel to the foreign land to resolve their dispute. Upon his arrival, Gandhi is greeted with a harsh reality - all Asians, regardless of stature, are treated as second-class citizens in Britain. Even his suit and tie are not enough to shield him from the barrage of prejudice, leading him from courtroom to footpath, facing humiliation, abuse, and a system firmly against him. Despite the relentless onslaught of bias, Gandhi manages to settle the relatives' dispute out of court and begins a fervent campaign to rally the local Asian community, asserting their rights and representing them in court. His journey then takes him to Durban, South Africa, where a similar struggle brews against the native Africans and the immigrant Asian community. In South Africa, Gandhi's family joins him, and it is here he daringly decides to rally the oppressed, striving to improve the circumstances of all, regardless of race or status. But he discovers that even when laws stand to support him, those in power, the interpreters and legislators, stand firmly against the equality and fairness he champions. Undeterred, Gandhi returns to India, determined to continue his battle against the British. His resilience and tireless efforts for justice soon echo around the globe, earning him a title that transcends his humble barrister origins - Mahatma Gandhi. In the face of adversity, a story of true transformation unfolds, where a man's journey transcends beyond a mere legal assignment, spiralling into 21 years of relentless struggle for freedom and equality.

The Making of the Mahatma is a drama movie featuring Rajit Kapoor and directed by Shyam Benegal.

The Making of the Mahatma is currently streaming on Mubi.