Nehru (1984) An English-language documentary directed by Shyam Benegal and Yuri Aldokhin, and produced by the Films Division of India in collaboration with Russia's Center-Nauch-Film Studios and Sovin Films, with Yash Chaudhary as executive producer, this film offers an intimate and expansive portrait of Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister through a rich blend of archival footage, personal writings, and powerful speeches. The film earned critical acclaim, winning the inaugural Best Historical Reconstruction and Compilation Film at the 32nd National Film Awards (1985). The screenplay was a collaborative effort by Shyam Benegal, Jag Mohan, and Shama Zaidi, based on a script co-written by Benegal, Vladimir Zimianin, Yuri Aldokhin, and Aleksander Gorev. Key technical credits include cinematography by Subrata Mitra and Konstantin Orozaliev, editing by Somnath Kulkarni and Valeria Konovalova, and an evocative musical score composed by Vanraj Bhatia and Alexei Kozlov. Much more than a traditional biopic, Nehru traces both the personal journey of its subject and the broader evolution of the Indian nation from Nehru's birth through his pivotal role in the freedom movement and as a visionary statesman. Drawing heavily from Nehru's own writings and speeches, the film paints a nuanced portrait, acknowledging both his towering contributions to the making of modern India and the criticisms leveled against his political ideology and administrative decisions. Shyam Benegal's direction carries a personal resonance; having met Nehru in the mid-1950s, he approached the subject with both reverence and critical insight. His later work, the acclaimed television series Bharat Ek Khoj, adapted from Nehru's seminal book The Discovery of India further reflects his deep engagement with Nehruvian thought and legacy. While Nehru has been portrayed on screen by actors such as Roshan Seth in Gandhi and Benjamin Gilani in Sardar, Benegal's documentary stands out for its archival authenticity and balanced perspective. It also explores how Nehru's fascination with modernity and mass communication, including his strategic use of film and film stars in diplomatic contexts, influenced Indian cinema during the 1950s. The documentary even touches on cultural artifacts like the iconic "Nehru jacket," which transcended politics to become a symbol in both Indian fashion and global pop culture including its appearance on cinematic villains in the James Bond franchise. Although details about the film's commercial performance remain scarce, its national recognition affirms its importance as a historical document. As a thoughtful and richly layered account of Nehru's complex legacy, the film remains a valuable resource for scholars, cinephiles, and those interested in India's journey through the 20th century.