The film documents Gandhi's 21 years in South Africa. From age 19, and the changes which came over this Anglicized, London trained barrister as he encountered the racial discrimination and bias of the colonials first hand.
Portraying Gandhi with all his faults and foibles makes him accessible as a role model, more accessible than the haloed, saintly father of the nation who could do no wrong. This young Gandhi, who had failed many, many times before, struggles with his very human temptations and fears.