Apr 14, 2023
April 14 marks the birth anniversary of Dr. BR (Bhim Rao) Ambedkar. One of the most famous social reform pioneers of modern India, Ambedkar has been at the forefront of battling bias and discrimination against the lower castes and emancipating the marginalised sections of society.
Image Source: Agencies
While there was an emergence of films that dealt with social realism post Independence, especially the works of filmmakers like Raj Kapoor, Bimal Roy, etc., films like ‘Sujata’, ‘Naya Daur’ focused more on Gandhian socialism, rather than looking critically at caste-based inequalities and systemic oppression. On his 132 birthday anniversary, here are some of the best films that espouse the life and values of the social revolutionary.
Image Source: Agencies
This Marathi movie offered a glimpse into the life and mind of the social reformer. Marathi stars Krishnanand and Pratima Devi played key roles. The movie was directed by Sudhakar Waghmare. The movie focused more on Ambedkar's role in drafting the Indian Constitution.
Image Source: Agencies
Directed by Jabbar Patel, this film featured the Malayalam superstar Mammootty as Ambedkar. The film revolved around his time as a student at Columbia University, as well as his contribution to making the Indian Constitution more inclusive towards the depressed castes.
Image Source: Agencies
This is one of the best-known biopics on the life and times of the social trailblazer. Directed by Sandalwood (Kannada) director Sharan Kumar Kabbur. Vishnukanth BJ portrayed the role of Ambedkar in the movie. The movie was an in-depth look into his struggle against caste-based violence and discrimination from his childhood to his last days.
Image Source: Agencies
Directed by Prakash Jadhav, this movie focused on the life of Ambedkar’s first wife Ramabai aka Mother Rama. The film focused on their relationship and her unconditional support towards her husband. Ambedkar admitted that his first wife played a pivotal role in encouraging her husband to pursue education overseas and also lent a hand towards his journey of emancipating the Dalits.
Image Source: Agencies
Helmed by Prakash Narayan Jadhav, this movie explored the childhood of the Father of the Constitution. The movie was a brutal no-nonsense account of his encountering the harsh realities of being born in a Dalit household at a tender age and the beginning of his lifelong struggle against untouchability and caste-based oppression.
Image Source: Agencies
Thanks For Reading!
Read Next