The cast of “Babar Naam Gandhiji.”

A Bengali film “Babar Naam Gandhiji,” about Mahatma Gandhi and modern society through the eyes of street boy, is set to hit the screens.

The film is based around a boy named “Kencho,” who has an encounter with the Father of the Nation through a currency note with Gandhiji’s photo on it. The curious boy is adopted by an NGO and is taught the ideals of Gandhiji.

The film is being directed by Pavel. The role of the teacher of the boy is being played by leading Bengali actor Parambrata.

Child artists in “Babar Naam Gandhiji.”
Child artists in “Babar Naam Gandhiji.”

“For us, Gandhiji has long ceased to exist beyond currency notes. We are ignorant about what he stood for and his renouncement of material comfort. The film, through the eyes of an innocent boy will seek to revisit Gandhi and modern society. It’s a child’s way of looking at ourselves,” Parambrata said.

Pavel maintains his film is not modeled on Rajkumar Hirani’s hit Bollywood film “Lage Raho Munna Bhai.”

Asked what prompted him to take up the subject, the debutant director said, “Gandhiji would have been the most relevant personality with his own brand of people’s movement amidst the current political disorder in Bengal.”