Rajkumar Santoshi on Gandhi Godse - Ek Yudh: Neither Gandhi nor Godse was god

The story of National Award-winning filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi’s major comeback film, Gandhi Godse - Ek Yudh, is based on the ideological battle between the ‘Father of the Nation’ Mahatma Gandhi and his assassin Nathuram Godse. But neither of the two personalities were without flaws or shortcomings, says the director of the movie, which was released today. 

“I think it is a misconception that everyone loved Gandhi, and barring a few people, everyone hated Godse. I think that is untrue. There were people who even during the freedom movement were critical of Gandhi. Yes, it is true that Gandhi was loved by the majority of the population back then and even now, but one must understand that Gandhi was a great human being, not god. He had his flaws too. Similarly, Godse was not a devil, he was a human being too. I think, like the way for some people, Gandhi is misunderstood, for the majority of the population, Godse is also misunderstood. Our idea behind making this film is to bring to the fore the perspectives of both the ideologies and the two personalities,” said Rajkumar, adding, “Without understanding the ideology fully, saying zindabad is also gulami. We attempt to start that dialogue.”

Santoshi is well-known for films such as Ghayal, Pukar, and The Legend of Bhagat Singh, as well as Damini, Andaz Apna Apna, Khakee, Ghatak, Halla Bol, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, Phata Poster Nikhla Hero. He has even won several National Film Awards.

In the film veteran actor Deepak Antani narrates the character of Gandhi, while Marathi actor Chinmay Mandlekar plays Godse. The film - which also features Pawan Chopra, Anuj Saini, Sharad Singh, Arif Zakaria and Tanisha Santoshi among others - released in the theatres today.