The 18-minute film was directed by Namdev Vhatkar and features footage from its subject's later life.
Our Correspondent
The National Film Archives of India (NFAI) has announced that the institution has acquired a rare short film, Mahapurush Dr Ambedkar (1968). The NFAI shared the news on Twitter on the occasion of the 130th birth anniversary of the key architect of the Indian Constitution.
Sharing a few details about the film, the NFAI wrote, “The film was produced by the director of publicity, government of Maharashtra in July 1968 and directed by Namdev Vhatkar under the banner of Vathkar Productions.” A veteran actor and director from the Marathi film industry, Vhatkar wrote and directed the films Aaher (1957) featuring Sulochana, and Mulga (1956) featuring Hansa Wadkar.
A timely discovery of the film on #DrBRAmbedkar when we are celebrating the 130th birth anniversary of the key architect of the Indian Constitution on 14th April.
— NFAI (@NFAIOfficial) April 13, 2021
National Film Archive of India has acquired A rare short film ‘#Mahapurush Dr Ambedkar’ (1968). pic.twitter.com/fIhR5cOoXu
The body also shared a still from the film, which was featured alongside the picture of NFAI director Prakash Magdum holding up a film strip. “It is a very timely discovery of the film on Dr BR. Ambedkar when we are celebrating the 130th birth anniversary of the key architect of the Indian Constitution on 14 April. The short film fictionalises the key events of Dr Ambedkar’s life and it also has footage of his later years,” he said.
The film includes visuals of Dr Ambedkar embracing Buddhism and his visit to Nepal, along with close-up shots of his funeral procession at Dadar Chowpatty in Mumbai. The 18-minute film includes the work of many stalwarts, including music composer Datta Davjekar, and actor David, who is the narrator of the film.
