'Disappointed That 'Ram Ke Naam' is Still Relevant': Anand Patwardhan on Janmabhoomi Politics

New Delhi: As Ayodhya prepares to welcome Lord Ram, the line between the political and the religious seems to blur.

Amidst questions raised by prominent swamis regarding the religiosity surrounding the temple's inauguration, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) remains undeterred in proceeding with the much-anticipated 'pran pratishtha' ceremony.

In a special interview with documentary filmmaker Anand Patwardhan, a chronicler who has skillfully captured the shifting realities of our times, The Wire's Zeeshan Kaskar discusses the evolving landscape of contemporary India.

From documenting the anti-Indira Gandhi agitations of 1974 to his recent work titled Vivek, addressing various facets of post-2014 India, Patwardhan has exhibited unwavering dedication in his pursuit of truth. His films have served as a warning to the Indian public, shedding light on the perils of majoritarian politics.

However, in his 1992 film Ram Ke Naam, that stands out as a timeless masterpiece, Patwardhan meticulously traces the Ram Janmabhoomi movement of the 1990s and its culmination in the demolition of the Babri Masjid.

Even in 2024, Ram Ke Naam remains an unparalleled audio-visual documentary, providing a deep understanding of the political dynamics leading to the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Patwardhan's lens captures the essence of a pivotal moment in India's history, offering viewers a comprehensive perspective on the complex interplay between faith and politics.

In this interview, Patwardhan talks about Ram ke Naam and the Ram temple inauguration on January 22.

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