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Widowed Uttam Chaudhary lives a comfortable lifestyle with his college-going son, Karan, a daughter, Trisha, who is in love with a South-Indian youth named Ashish Reddy, and an elder son who is married and works in the United States, through whose income the Chaudharys live on. Uttam is a Lecturer, but when he starts getting old, becoming forgetful, he is asked to retire. He is very close to Trisha, who looks after him. The first major episode Trisha’s experiences in her father when he announces that he is getting ready to go to work and asks for his wife to bring him breakfast. Thereafter, things get worse, especially when Ashish’s parents come to meet the Chaudharys. It is here that Uttam babbles on inexplicably about being responsible for killing Mohandas K. Gandhi. Trisha must now find out if her dad was in any way responsible for Gandhi’s death, and what exactly triggered his long-suppressed memory in her dad’s mind, and at the same time must come to terms that his disability may have repercussions on her love-life also.
Duration: 100 min
Released: 2005
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10 (583 Votes)
Genre: Drama, Hindi Movies
Stars: Anupam Kher, Parvin Dabas, Rajit Kapoor, Urmila Matondkar
Directors: Jahnu Barua
Writers: Sanjay Chauhan, Jahnu Barua
Year: 2005
Server 1 – Videoweed
I Did Not Kill Gandhi is a thought-provoking Hindi drama film released in 2005 that delves into the complex emotions and moral dilemmas surrounding one of the most pivotal moments in India's history — the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. Directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, a filmmaker renowned for his ability to combine social messages with compelling storytelling, the movie offers an intense portrayal of guilt, innocence, and the quest for truth.
The film's narrative centers on the young protagonist, Abhimanyu Veer, played with earnestness and depth by Anupam Kher. Kher, who is known for his versatile acting skills across multiple genres in Bollywood, brings a nuanced performance that captures Abhimanyu's internal struggle as he faces arraignment in connection with Gandhi's assassination. Opposite him is Urmila Matondkar, who portrays Francoise, a French journalist whose investigative instincts drive the story forward by peeling back layers of misinformation and prejudice.
Plot Overview
I Did Not Kill Gandhi unfolds as a courtroom drama intertwined with flashbacks and journalistic inquiry. Following the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, Abhimanyu Veer is accused of being involved in the conspiracy. The film meticulously explores how society rushes to judgement, the role of media in shaping public opinion, and how personal vendettas and political agendas influence justice. However, as Francoise digs into the case, she unravels inconsistencies in the evidence and reveals the complexities behind the apparent facts. The story raises ethical questions about nationalism, individual responsibility, and collective memory, inviting viewers to look beyond black-and-white portrayals of history.
Cast and Crew
The direction by Rajkumar Santoshi is precise and impactful, focusing on creating tension through realistic courtroom scenes and compelling character development. The screenplay, written by Rajkumar himself, reflects a deep understanding of India's socio-political fabric and a compassionate look at the people caught in its turmoil.
Director and Writer
Rajkumar Santoshi is both the director and writer of I Did Not Kill Gandhi. Known for masterpieces such as Ghayal and The Legend of Bhagat Singh, Santoshi brings his storytelling prowess to this film with a sensitive and engaging narrative. His direction emphasizes human emotion and social realities, steering clear of sensationalism to instead foster reflection and dialogue.
Music and Songs
Unlike many Bollywood films, I Did Not Kill Gandhi takes a restrained approach to music, placing greater emphasis on narrative and character development rather than song and dance sequences. However, it does feature a poignant soundtrack composed by Vishal Bhardwaj, whose minimalistic scores accentuate the film's somber tone. The few songs included are soulful and reflective, with vocal performances by noted singers such as Suresh Wadkar and Alka Yagnik. These tracks serve to underscore the emotional depth of the storyline without distracting from the film’s serious themes.
Thematic Significance
The film stands out for its courage to challenge conventional narratives surrounding a historical tragedy cemented deeply into the Indian psyche. By humanizing the accused and probing into the societal factors that led to the assassination, I Did Not Kill Gandhi encourages viewers to contemplate the broader implications of hate, justice, and historical memory.
Conclusion
I Did Not Kill Gandhi is a gripping drama that combines strong performances, a thoughtful script, and skillful direction to explore one of India’s most sensitive historical events from a unique perspective. Featuring compelling work from Anupam Kher and Urmila Matondkar, and helmed by Rajkumar Santoshi, the movie is an insightful cinematic experience for audiences interested in history, justice, and human stories.
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