Hansal Mehta: The Visionary Behind the Groundbreaking Gandhi Series

When we talk about fearless storytellers in Indian cinema, one name always shines — Hansal Mehta. From small courtroom dramas to massive OTT blockbusters, Mehta has constantly pushed the envelope. And now, with his latest magnum opus Gandhi, he’s taken Indian storytelling to a global stage like never before.

The three-season web series recently created history as the first Indian show to premiere at TIFF’s Primetime slate, receiving a standing ovation from an international audience. But this moment is not just about Gandhi, it’s about Hansal Mehta’s journey as a filmmaker who has always chosen truth over trend.

Hansal Mehta’s Cinematic Journey

Here are some milestones that shaped him into the filmmaker we know today:

• Jayate (1999): His debut, a socially rooted drama.

• Shahid (2012): A powerful biopic on lawyer Shahid Azmi that won hearts at TIFF.

• CityLights (2014): A raw story of a family migrating to Mumbai.

• Aligarh (2015): A sensitive take on LGBTQ rights, carried by Manoj Bajpayee’s moving performance.

• Simran (2017): A bold experiment with Kangana Ranaut in a crime-comedy avatar.

• Scam 1992 (2020): The game-changer web series that made Pratik Gandhi a household name.

• Gandhi (2025): His most ambitious project yet, re-introducing the world to the human side of Mahatma Gandhi.
  

Why Hansal Mehta Wanted to Tell Gandhi’s Story

Most films show Gandhi as “Bapu,” the Mahatma. But Mehta wanted to ask — what made him the Mahatma?

Drawing from historian Ramachandra Guha’s books, Mehta focused on the lesser-explored chapters:

• Gandhi’s student life in London

• His struggles and self-doubt

• His transformation during his years in South Africa

This approach is not about idol worship, but about humanizing Gandhi — showing his failures, growth, and courage in the making.

What Makes Gandhi So Special?

1. Three-Season Depth: Each phase of Gandhi’s life gets its own space — teenage India, London education, and South African activism.

2. Global Recognition: TIFF 50 gave the series a thunderous ovation, placing Mehta alongside international giants.

3. Powerful Casting: Pratik Gandhi as Gandhi, Tom Felton as Josiah Oldfield, and Bhamini Oza Gandhi as Kasturba a mix of Indian sincerity and international appeal.

4. Musical Brilliance: With AR Rahman’s original score, the series becomes both historic and emotionally timeless.

5. Soft Power of India: A proud moment where Indian storytelling went global, showing how local tales carry universal truths.

   

The Bigger Picture

Hansal Mehta isn’t just making shows, he’s redefining Indian cinema’s global image. Scam 1992 proved that India can make world-class financial dramas. Now Gandhi proves that our history and philosophy can be told with global finesse.

This is not just a series. It’s a reminder that India’s stories matter — to us, and to the world.

Aapke Sawal, Hamare Jawab! (FAQs)

1. Why is Hansal Mehta’s Gandhi series historic? Because it’s the first Indian series to premiere at TIFF’s Primetime slate, receiving international recognition and applause.

2. What part of Gandhi’s life does the series cover? It explores Gandhi’s formative years — from London to South Africa — before he became the “Mahatma.”

3. Who plays Gandhi in the series? The role is played by Pratik Gandhi, who earlier shot to fame with Scam 1992.

4. Is Gandhi available to stream in India yet? Not immediately. It is currently on the festival circuit and will release on OTT platforms soon.

5. Why should Indians watch Gandhi? Because it doesn’t just glorify Gandhi, it shows him as a real person with struggles, making his journey more relatable and inspiring.