In July 1968, the Maharashtra government's director of publicity created the Marathi film "Mahapurush Dr Ambedkar." The music for the 18-minute short film was composed by renowned composer Datta Davajekar and directed by Namdeo Vatkar under the banner of Vathkar productions.
The film's narrator was veteran filmmaker David Abraham.
Namdeo Vatkar was a veteran Marathi actor and director who wrote and directed films such as Aaher (1957), starring Sulochana, and Mulga (1956), starring Hansa Wadkar. In 1952, he co-wrote the story for Ram Gabale's film Ghardhani with PL Deshpande.
“It is a very timely discovery of the film on Dr BR Ambedkar when we are celebrating the 130th birth anniversary of the key architect of the Indian constitution on April 14th. The short film fictionalises the key events of Dr Ambedkar’s life, and it also has live footage of his later years,” said Prakash Magdum, director, NFAI.The film has the visuals of Dr. Ambedkar embracing the Buddhist religion and his visit to Nepal along with close-up shots of his funeral procession at Dadar Chowpaty in Mumbai. Madhukar Khamkar did the cinematography while G.G. Patil edited the film.
“The film was originally made in 35 mm format but what we have found is a 16 mm copy probably meant for distribution in rural areas. The condition of the film is moderate and we plan to digitize it soon so that it can be accessed by people,” said Prakash Magdum. He added, “We appeal to individual collectors and distributors along with others to come forward and submit films or footages at NFAI so that it can be preserved.”