Feature Films on Ambedkar

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar (2000)

  • Director: Jabbar Patel

  • Cast: Mammootty as Ambedkar

  • Languages: English, Hindi, Marathi

  • Produced by: Government of India, Ministry of Social Justice

  • Notes: The most authoritative biopic; covers Ambedkar’s life from childhood to the drafting of the Constitution. Won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in English (2000).

Bhim Garjana (1990)

  • Language: Marathi

  • Focus: Early Dalit movements in Maharashtra inspired by Ambedkar’s activism.

  • Tone: A cultural-political drama with songs based on Ambedkarite poetry.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar – Mahamanvachi Gauravgatha (2019–2021, TV Serial)

  • Language: Marathi (Zee Marathi Channel)

  • Format: Long-running biographical television drama, later dubbed into Hindi.

  • Notes: Popular for its detail on Ambedkar’s family life, studies abroad, and public struggles. Available on Zee5streaming platform.

Jai Bhim Comrade (2011)

  • Director: Anand Patwardhan

  • Type: Documentary

  • Focus: The continuing oppression of Dalits in Maharashtra and the cultural power of Ambedkarite protest music.

  • Notes: A powerful, award-winning 3-hour documentary — blends politics, poetry, and music inspired by Ambedkar.

The Great Leader Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (2017)

  • Language: Hindi

  • Type: Educational docu-drama

  • Notes: Produced by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) for school and civic education programs.

Samvidhaan: The Making of the Constitution of India (2014, TV Series)

  • Director: Shyam Benegal

  • Actor: Sachin Khedekar as Dr. Ambedkar

  • Focus: The debates and drafting process of the Indian Constitution.

  • Notes: A historically grounded dramatization broadcast on Rajya Sabha TV.

Ramji Londonwaley (2005, Hindi comedy-drama)

  • Notes: While not about Ambedkar directly, it features a Dalit protagonist inspired by Ambedkar’s principles, reflecting his influence in popular culture.

Documentaries and Educational Films

Babasaheb Ambedkar: The Untold Truth (BBC, 1996)

  • A British-made documentary tracing Ambedkar’s education at Columbia University and the LSE, situating him among global anti-colonial thinkers.

Children of the Buddha (1984, Anand Patwardhan)

  • Explores early Navayana Buddhist conversions in Maharashtra; includes footage of Ambedkarite communities in the 1980s.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: The Man Who Changed India (History TV18, 2018)

  • A modern, visual introduction to Ambedkar’s achievements, aimed at younger audiences.

Recent & International Works

India’s Great Leaders: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (Netflix/DocuBay, 2022)

  • A short-format global documentary examining Ambedkar’s relevance to human rights movements worldwide.

Bhimrao: The Untouchable Reformer (France 24, 2021)

  • French mini-documentary in English about his legacy in Dalit politics and Navayana Buddhism today.

Short Films and Cultural Tributes

The Conversion (2020) – dramatizes a Dalit family’s Buddhist conversion in Ambedkar’s tradition.

We Shall Overcome (Jai Bhim) (2019) – a student-made documentary on Ambedkarite activism in Indian universities.

Mahaparinirvan Din (2016) – depicts annual gatherings at Chaitya Bhoomi, Mumbai.