Samvidhaan: The Making of the Constitution of India

Shyam Benegal returns to television on a very topical subject in India - the constitution which is being challenged everyday by the political, social and industrial environment. He brings together a stellar cast and high drama, thought, vigor to the making of the constitution. The acting, directing, anchoring is top notch. Shot as a 10 hr episode it brings alive the making of the constitution through various perspectives of the leaders of India. The first episode which i saw gripped me as galaxy of characters from Gandhi, Nehru, Jinnah, Maulana Azad, Patel avoid or decide the partition of India. Gandhi's almost resignation as the Congress part fights it out with Jinnah comes to the fore. The serial comes at a time when the Idea of India is being challenged at many levels but in a sense it endures because the foundation is strong. Shyam Benegal at his best

Master storyteller, Shyam Benegal, has directed a masterpiece 10 hour long documentary divided into 10 parts commissioned by Rajya Sabha TV. Each episode takes a topic in the journey of framing the constitution and illuminates the differing views brought together by the assembly of leaders from the freedom movement, academicians and representatives of all provinces/states and communities. The first couple of episode begin with setting the context around how the framing of the constitution was an indispensable aspect of transfer of power from British and how partition further complicated the matters. Then we go through a journey of setting the the objectives of the constitution, it's directive principles, fundamental rights, safeguarding of minorities, designing of the administrative machinery through to its coming into effect. Swara Bhaskar ably anchors the audiences attention through out this journey. Several well known artist play the role of prominent leaders and generate interest through their characterization. As apt for the content, the language is quite parliamentarian and writing is crisp and well edited, also filled with some instances of conversational humor. Given the depth of the subject, the content is well paced, giving viewers ample time to assimilate the information. If you follow through the journey closely, the applause given to Ambedkar as he approaches the dais to address the completion of the drafting process, might give you goosebumps.

I am on the 3rd episode and already astounded by detailed narration of every scene and every aspect of the story. I believe, I have seen 70% of all the entertainers I have came across till now performing in this particular series. The cast is so perfect that it seems they came into acting to cater to their particular roles in samvidhan. I couldn't wait till I finished the whole series to write a review so you can guess with impact it has left on it's viewers with its top of the world scriptwriting, character performance and direction.

It's not just only a series, but also it's a incredible masterpiece. When you will watch it, you will experience the era of 1940 - 50. I can give it 11 stars out of 10.

"Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially.." - Nehru on August 14, 1947 From Cabinet Mission, independence, partition to final draft. Hindu or Hinduism, who owns the land, women, scheduled caste, minorities and their rights and more..Indian constitution was a successful product of the patriotism. It shows the contemplative reflections of a thoughtful political leader. The most widely used term but less ubderstood .. story of Perseverance, Didactic, Great quality clips, solid linear editing, convincing cast except the narrator Swara Bhaskar who I feel fails to bring the dynamism and idiomatic style to the narration. A must watch..