Ben Kingsley is one of the most popular actors with a portfolio of over thirty films. Kingsley played the role of the protagonist, Mahatma Gandhi in the Gandhi Film of 1982 and won as the best actor. The film was directed by Richard Attenborough, who also won the title of the Best Director. The play was written by John Briley and reflected on the life of the popular Mahatma Gandhi, who was a leader of the Indian people against the British Rule.
The play revolves around the concept of peaceful leadership and nonviolent resistance against the English officials who were colonizing the Indians. Among the leaders that Gandhi approached were Lord Irwin, played by John Gielgud. Eventually, Gandhi and his people create a resistance or movement that helps India move towards independence. After independence, the struggle was not over as religious tensions began between the Muslims and the Hindus. At some point, Gandhi attempted to solve the issue by introducing a hunger strike that as not supposed to end until the two religious groups stopped fighting. However, the fighting between the Muslims and the Indians eventually stops but they nation is divided. The Muslims and the Indians lived in separate countries now known as Bangladesh and Pakistan respectively (Allen 68). Gandhi’s struggle and fight for justice annoyed many as he strived to bring peace to both nations. He continues with the fight until his last breath where he is assassinated by people who were against his legacy. The playwright’s message to the audience helps in preaching peaceful leadership.
Kingsley alongside other characters like Gielgud effectively represented their roles and made Gandhi’s life into reality. Their characters resemble the lives of the leaders and people who were present during Gandhi’s rule. The play is done in different places such as in a train where the story begins, to other places where the characters are situated. The stage and the setting used in the play are effective as it gives a direct account of the story of the popular leader Mahatma Gandhi and his experiences as he tried to fight for Independence (“Film set in the British” 13). Some of the settings such as being jailed and being thrown out of a moving train are more effective when played in the actual places. The costumes and props used were effective where Mahatma Gandhi would often appear dressed in large clothes that looked like dresses or pajamas. Kingsley also appears older, with some white beard and hair that resemble Gandhi’s. The lighting and sounds were properly managed throughout the play. During dark scenes, the lighting was enough to have sights of what was happening, and the sound cues were also effective. Kingsley would have to adjust his voice to that of an elderly man such as Gandhi’s voice.
The play had background music mainly composed by Ravi Shankar, and it created the mood of the scenes. However, it was a straight play and not a musical play and had no live orchestra. The advertisements on the release of the play helped gather a larger audience as many people wanted to know and understand the life and times of Mahatma Gandhi. The film was effective as Kingsley effectively portrayed the real Mahatma Gandhi in a way that many other actors would make him win the best actor’s award. The film was produced well and gathered many positive reviews. It can be used as an excellent illustration of peaceful leadership for modern leaders and communities.
Work Cited
Allen, D. Mahatma Gandhi. London: Reaktion Books, 2011. Print.
Films set in the British Empire: Lawrence of Arabia, the English patient, Zulu, Zulu Dawn, a
Passage to India, Gandhi, Wah-Wah, the River, Kim, Heat and dust, Old bones of the
river, White Mischief, Rhodes of Africa, the Happy Valley. Memphis, TN: Books
LLC, 2010. Print.
