Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: Now & Then(2023)
Through the discerning lens of a Bahujan feminist filmmaker operating within the upper-caste Indian film industry, the film delves deep into critical themes of liberty, equality, fraternity, social justice, exclusion, and marginalised representation. Bridging the realms of Ambedkarite politics with the visual language of cinema, it offers a poignant representation of the culture, history, and politics of marginalised communities within popular cinema and media. A cinematic embodiment of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s philosophical legacy, as it questions the deeply rooted institution of caste in India, the film becomes a powerful commentary on religion, revolution, politics, and the fundamental right to freedom of speech.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Amazon Prime Video (via MUBI Channel), MUBI
- Theatrical Release
- 7 November 2023
- Director
- Jyoti Nisha
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 1h 51m
- Rating
- 8.5/10
Storyline
This documentary explores the ideas of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a key figure in Indian history. It examines how caste, social justice, and the rights of marginalized groups are shown in Indian cinema and media. The film connects Ambedkar's vision to modern questions of equality and freedom.
“A visionary's fight for justice, seen through cinema.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Trivia
- The film was shot over five years across multiple states in India, including Maharashtra and Delhi.
- Director Jyoti Nisha funded the project partly through a crowdfunding campaign and personal savings.
- It features rare archival audio of Dr. Ambedkar's speeches, some not widely heard before.
- The documentary includes interviews with scholars and activists but no professional actors.
- It premiered at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam in 2023.
- The film's editing process took nearly two years due to the extensive research material.
- It consciously avoids using background music in many scenes to emphasize the spoken words.