'Anadi Me Anant Me': 8 movies, plays, and documentaries on Savarkar that every GenZ young mind must watch

This time, on the occasion of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar's birth anniversary on May 28, we must go beyond simply honoring the revolutionary, the freedom fighter who stood against British colonial rule. Let's take this as an opportunity to rediscover the many dimensions of the man, a thinker, poet, historian, and visionary whose written works have continued to inspire successive generations.


Here is the list of 8 movies, plays, and documentaries that every youngster today must watch to understand who actually Swatantryaveer Savarkar was-

1. Name: Swatantrya Veer Savarkar (Hindi Movie)
Produced by: Randeep Hooda, Sandeep Singh, Anand Pandit, Yogesh Rahar, Sam Khan

This is a 2024 Hindi-language biographical drama directed, co-written, and produced by Randeep Hooda, who also plays the lead role of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. The film traces Savarkar’s journey from his early revolutionary activities against British rule to his imprisonment in the Cellular Jail in the Andaman Islands, popularly known as “Kala Pani.” It also explores his political ideology, including Hindutva, his writings, and his disagreements with other leaders of the freedom movement

The movie stars Ankita Lokhande as Yamunabai Savarkar and Amit Sial as Ganesh Damodar Savarkar. Released in theatres on 22 March 2024, the film marked Randeep Hooda’s directorial debut and later premiered on ZEE5.


2. Name: Savarkar Vichar Samjun Ghetana
Narrated by: Actor Sharad Ponkshe

"Savarkar Samjun Ghetana" (Understanding Savarkar) is a prominent lecture series and discourse by senior Marathi actor Sharad Ponkshe. It aims to present the unfiltered life, struggles, and ideology of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, which Ponkshe argues has often been misrepresented in mainstream history. He highlights Savarkar’s 27-year imprisonment in the Cellular Jail (Andaman), emphasizing the intense physical and mental hardships endured for India's independence. Ponkshe stresses that Savarkar’s vision of Hindutva was a unifying, progressive concept aimed at eradicating caste discrimination and uniting all Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains.



3. Name: Hoy Me Savarkar Boltoy (Marathi Drama)
Penned by: Novelist Anant Shankar Ogle

Penned by the esteemed novelist, Mr. Anant Shankar Ogle, this play beautifully captures the political essence of Veer Savarkar's life. It offers a unique perspective on a burning subject, deftly handled with subtlety and sensibility. But this play isn't limited to Veer Savarkar alone; it also portrays Mahatma Gandhi, Madam Kama, Subhash Chandra Bose, Mai Savarkar, actor Prithvi Raj Kapoor, and the great director Bhalji Pendharkar.

As a cherry on top, the audience gets to witness an unflashed meeting of Mr. Savarkar and Dr. Ambedkar. The moments of Mr. Savarkar's release as innocent from the severe blame of Mr. Gandhi's death leave viewers with goosebumps. Moreover, the experience becomes even more remarkable as Mr. Savarkar brings his own life to the stage.


4. Name: Anadi Mi Anant Mi (Marathi long musical play)
Directed by: Madhav Khadilkar and Ashatai Khadilkar

'Anadi Me, Anant Me' is a very popular dramatic poetry-presentation (experimental play) on freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. This play became very popular in the year of Savarkar's birth centenary and has been replicated many times since then. This is a one-act or multi-act play based on Savarkar's fiery patriotism, revolutionary work, and his philosophy. The immortal line from which the title of this play is taken is one of Savarkar's own famous poems- Anadi Me Anant me, meaning 'I am eternal, I am infinite'.

These lines identify Savarkar's fearless, self-respecting, and immortal ideology. This play conveys the legacy of Savarkar's intense patriotism and revolutionary thoughts to the people.

5. Name: Veer Savarkar
Created by: Sudhir Phadke



6. Name: Veer Savarkar (Special Program)
Created by: Doordarshan Sahyadri

This special program on the life of Savarkar traces important chapters of his life, showcasing his involvement in India’s freedom struggle, revolutionary resistance against British rule, and his years of imprisonment in the Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This biographical document also explores his political philosophy, social reform initiatives, and literary contributions as a writer and poet. Through dramatic storytelling and historical recreations, the show presents both the personal and political dimensions of Savarkar’s life, along with his lasting influence on nationalist thought in Maharashtra and across India.


7. Name: Life of Shri Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (Savarkar Archives Footage)
Created by: Ministry of Information & Broadcasting

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was a courageous freedom fighter, visionary social reformer, acclaimed writer, playwright, poet, historian, political leader, and philosopher. His ideas covered nearly every aspect of nation-building and continue to inspire and remain relevant even today. The film portrays several significant events and defining moments from his life journey.

The film highlights Veer Savarkar’s speeches, political activities, and his association with the Hindu Mahasabha. The movie includes rare visuals, dramatized sequences, and historical commentary focused on his role in India’s freedom movement and ideological legacy.


8. Name: Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
Created by: Prasar Bharati Archives

This Hindi documentary on Vinayak Damodar Savarkar focuses on his role in India’s freedom movement, especially his revolutionary activities against British rule and his imprisonment in the Cellular Jail in the Andaman Islands. The documentary uses archival visuals, narration, and historical references to highlight key moments from his life, including his time in London, the formation of revolutionary groups, and his writings on nationalism.



Apart from this, there are three very famous Marathi plays written by Swatantryaveer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar himself: 'Sangeet Sannyast Khadag', 'Sangeet U: Shaap', and 'Sangeet Uttarkriya'. Savarkar created plays to convey the message of social enlightenment and patriotism through his literature. These plays are now being revived and brought back for the younger audiences to watch.

Music Sannyast Khadga (1931): This play presents the conflict between the philosophy of non-violence and national interest. It was brought to the stage by Dinanath Mangeshkar in 1931. The songs 'Shatjanma Shodhatana' and 'Marmabandhaatali Thebh Hi' from this play are very famous.

Sangeet Uttarkriya (1933): This is a historical musical drama based on the history of the Peshwa period.

Sangeet U: Shaap (1927): This is considered to be Savarkar's first play to combine mythological and social themes.

For Gen Z, especially, Savarkar’s life story carries immense relevance. In an age dominated by short attention spans and superficial narratives, his writings would offer clarity, conviction, and intellectual discipline.

As we celebrate Veer Savarkar Jayanti, this is not just an occasion for remembrance, but an opportunity for rediscovery. Reading and understanding Savarkar is not about agreeing with every idea blindly; it is about engaging with a fearless mind that shaped political and cultural thought in modern India. His legacy deserves to be studied, discussed, and understood with honesty and depth by every generation.