The movie was directed by Richard Attenborough in 1982. It depicts an extensive biopic of Gandhi as a political leader who takes a stand against the Pass Laws that were introduced during his stay in South Africa. He later implements a non-violent protest that has inspired India to claim for its independence from Britain. Gandhi believed in the strength of the ordinary people and was able to mobilize them as they were allowed to participate in politics.
Identity politics are those political arguments that focus on the self interest and perspectives of an identified social group. It shapes people’s aspects through their identity, class, race, sex, religion and class. In identity politics, members of any group should not necessarily be involved in politics. According to the movie, the question of identity, ethics and morality should be discussed beyond politics. Gandhi talks about inclusive identity: social identity, spiritual identity and individual identity.
British came to India as traders, and when they found out that there was a political vacuum in India, they carved out a British Indian empire. Both Indians and Americans were alien nations to each other, and British people were able to rule over highly evolved Orientals that were many times more than them. Through Mahatma Gandhi and his non-violence position, he stood in the annals of history as the struggle for freedom was full of bloodshed before him. Gandhi attempted and was able to impress the British with his idea stating that they cannot hold India as a domination subject all the time. Gandhi is depicted as a powerful challenger to his audience by being presented as a profound and most effective revolutionary who creates a fierce personal discipline that leads to a marvelous historical expedience.
Although the early life of Gandhi is not depicted in the film, we have a flashback into 55 years ago to the life changing event of a 24 year old Gandhi in South Africa. He realized that laws are against Indians, and that is how he decided to start the “non-violent campaigns” proving that the rights of all Indians residing in South Africa can be respected. Despite numerous arrests, the government of South Africa finally relents to his demands by recognizing, not all, but some rights for the Indians.
After realization of these non-violent demonstrations, Gandhi goes to India as a national hero. He takes up the British Empire and mounts a non-violent and a noncooperation campaign against the Great Britain. He was able to coordinate millions of Indians throughout India and despite being meted with violence he resorts to strictly “no violence’. Therefore, Gandhi identifies with his people whom he organizes to mount an aggressive noncooperation campaign against Britain. Through the film, Gandhi shows us that we can achieve what we want by holding peaceful protests and not involving the use of violence or weapons. “His weapons of choice: an almost mystical spirituality; an deep and abiding commitment to justice and equality; and a philosophy of non-violent resistance to unjust laws …