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The film scans the period of Dr. Ambedkar's life from
1901-1956, from when he was a student at the University
of Columbia to when he is Minister of Law in the Nehru
government immediately after India achieved her independence.
With some superb art direction by Nitin Desai and some
fabulous costumes by Bhanu Athaiya, this is a period
film in the class of the decades old 'Gandhi.' Great
dilaogues, good performances and some befitting music
make this a treat. Watch out for the traditional dohas
by Kabir.
What can one say about Mammootty except that he fits
the character to the T. The man is simply brilliant
in his portrayal of Ambedkar. Despite the physical likeness,
he invests a certain amount of sincerity which lends
an amazing credibility to his performance. This is what
one would call a period drama. Sonali Kulkarni is likeable
as the young Ramabai, while Vikram Gokhale befits the
character of Gandhi with his assertive ways. Born in
an 'untouchable' family, Ambedkar was the first graduate
in his family. Later, when he sought to bring about
changes amongst his community, he realized that granting
them political rights was the only way to help them
lead lives, which could be called human. And thus began
a battle with Hinduism; the tussle to break away from
which was prevented by Gandhi whose ideas clashed greatly
with Ambedkar's. Until Ambedkar converted the Dalits
to Buddhism and granted them an identity all of their
own.
Watch out for the confrontations with Gandhi (played
by Vikram Gokhale). In addition, his passion for his
people, his impatience, his path-breaking philosophy
on the plight of his people are highlights of the film.
Full of zingers, Ambedkar was certainly was one of the
more lively politicians. Not the boring kind we see
these days. They don't make 'em like him any more. The
film is picturised excellently. Don't miss it.
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