War for the Planet of Apes: Caeser's character inspired by Gandhi, reveals Andy Serkis

War for the Planet of Apes might be an American film but according to Andy Serkis, the voice of Caesar the ape leader, India has strongly influences on the film. The actor says that the character of Caesar was inspired by the leader of the Indian independence movement, Mahatma Gandhi, as per Bombay Times. [caption id=“attachment_3812145” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  (L-R) Andy Serkis, Mahatma Gandhi. Image from Twitter and Getty Images.[/caption] The third installment of the Planet of the Apes franchise is based on a war between apes and tyrannical humans who are being led by a Colonel. The film is complete Caesar-show as the ape has been humanized tremendously, making him more relatable than ever. Serkis mentions that while preparing for the role, he was trying to think of world leaders who exhibit similar values as the ape and that is when Mahatma Gandhi came to his mind. “He was a strong example of the empathetic nature of a leader and the ability to not necessarily lead with force, but to lead by listening and empowering troops,” elaborates Serkis, in a statement given to Bombay Times. Gandhi is known to have propelled India towards freedom with peace and non-violence. Serkis’ statement might sound odd considering he is voicing an evolved ape in the Matt Reeves’ film. However, it is evident that he is familiar Gandhian values and is not just referring to a superficial connection.