Hyderabad, Aug 9 (Representative) Free screening of the 1982 Oscar-winning movie ‘Gandhi’ began in 560 theatres across Telangana on Tuesday as part of 15-day ‘Swatantra Bharatha Vajrotsavam (Diamond Jubilee celebrations of Independence) organised by the state government. The state government has made necessary arrangements for the free screening of ‘Gandhi’ film, starring Ben Kingsley in the title role, in Telugu and Hindi languages from 1000 hours to 1315 hours daily from today to August 22. Officials said, 22 lakh school children are expected to watch the movie in theatres. Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar and Special Chief Secretary for Urban development Arvind Kumar participated in the inaugural film show at a theatre at Attapur in the city. Directed by Richard Attenborough, ‘Gandhi’ is a biographical film about the life of Mahatma Gandhi during the freedom movement, following him from 1893 to 1948. A co-production between India and the United Kingdom, the movie was released in India on November 30, 1982.
It received 11 nominations at the 55th Academy awards, winning eight awards including best picture, best director and best actor (for Kingsely). Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao on Monday launched the celebrations at a colourful ceremony at Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) here by hoisting the National flag. He said it was unfortunate that several incidents insulting the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi, who was an inspiration to several leaders across the globe, have been reported. No country insults its own heroes, KCR said. Appealing to the people to condemn such attempts on the Father of the Nation, the Chief Minister said such attempts are being made to divide the nation on communal lines to derive political mileage. Rao called upon the people to fight against divisive forces and said the country should not go into the hands of any divisive forces. KCR said that everybody should be ready to play a key role at the National level to bring a change in the country and against divisive forces.