The Making of the Mahatma is a 1996 biographical film directed by Shyam Benegal, about the early life of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (also known as Mahatma Gandhi) during his 21 years in South Africa. The film is based upon the book The Apprenticeship of a Mahatma by Fatima Meer. It was an international co-production between India and South Africa.