Bollywood megastar Akshay Kumar is set to present a documentary that places a lens on the monumental Statue of Unity and the stirring tale of its inception. The film titled ‘Statue of Unity: Ekta Ka Prateek’ melds an ambitious vision with the reality of erecting the world’s tallest statue as a tribute to the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, known as the unifier of India.
Away from the silver screen, Kumar fulfills the role of a narrator in this 40-minute documentary, piecing together the narrative of how an idea planted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi burgeoned into a soaring 182-meter tribute to a prominent figure in India’s quest for independence and sovereignty.
The journey chronicled in the documentary begins in 2013, with PM Modi – then serving as Chief Minister of Gujarat – unveiling plans to honor Sardar Patel. This vision materialized over the following years, culminating in the completion of a statue overlooking the Narmada River, with its height symbolically matching the number of constituencies in Gujarat’s state assembly.
Throughout ‘Statue of Unity: Ekta Ka Prateek’, heartfelt stories unfold, with the documentary not merely focusing on the construction of the colossal structure but also delving into the ideals of unity and cooperation that Sardar Patel espoused. Viewers are taken behind the scenes of the statue’s creation, providing an inspiring insight into this national landmark’s detailed artwork and engineering marvels.
A narrative unfolds that challenges the conventional boundaries of documentary filmmaking, showcasing how the project inspired a microcosm of economic and social development within Kevadia, now transformed into Ekta Nagar. In his experience as the presenter, Kumar reflects on a profound journey of realization, celebrating India’s diversity and the strength derived from unity; principles that resonate deeply with the people of India.
Further into the documentary lies a segment devoted to PM Modi’s inspired initiative, where more than six lakh villages across India were rallied to contribute old iron farming implements. Each of these donations symbolized the unity embodied by Sardar Patel’s rousing appeals to farmers during India’s revolutionary fight for independence. The spirit is further cemented by the use of soil collected from varied parts of India in the statue’s foundation, providing a tangible representation of the nation’s collective strength.
Directed by esteemed filmmaker Aanand L Rai, the film transcends the boundaries of a biographical tribute and sews together a modern fable of India’s march towards unity and progress. Rai’s lens captures the emerging heartbeat of Ekta Nagar, which, inspired by Patel’s vision, now thrives as a bustling tourist destination enriched by the surrounding natural beauty.
This is as much a story about the Statue of Unity as it is about the individuals and communities whose prospects were elevated as a result of the statue’s construction. The film celebrates their upliftment – local artisans, entrepreneurs, and hospitality service providers who have prospered from their town’s metamorphosis into a vibrant traveler’s haven, attracting up to 50,000 visitors on peak days.
The documentary ‘Statue of Unity: Ekta Ka Prateek’ is a testament to human achievement driven by collective will. It pays homage to a historical leader, and simultaneously sketches the modern identity of a nation that has long revered the power of unity. It will debut on History TV18, promising to deliver an enriching and empowering experience to its audience on March 8.
The contents of this article, sourced through syndicated feeds, aim to deliver a holistic view of the documentary’s core message, in acknowledgment of its upcoming premiere to a national viewership. The channel, however, reserves the unconditional right to modify or remove any part of the content at their discretion.
