A polymerizable composition containing a compound represented by the formula (I) or the formula (I′) is useful for formation of films having a high Δn with no coloration. P1 and P2 each are a polymerizable group; m1 and m2 each are an integer of from 1 to 10; A1 to A4 each are a predetermined cyclic group; R is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl; in the formula (I), Z1 is —COO—, —COO—, —OCO—CH═CH—, —NHCO— or —NR1CO—; L1 and L2 each are —O—, —S—, —COO—, —COO—, —OCO—CH═CH—, —OCOO—, —NHCO— or —NR1CO; n1 is 1 or 2; in the formula (I′), Z1 and Z2 each are —COO—, —OCO—, —NHCO— or NR1CO; L1 and L2 each are —O—, —S—, —COO—, —OCO—, —OCOO—, —NHCO— or NR1CO; n1 and n2 each are 1 or 2.