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.
