Those of us in the west are probably justified if we treat any whiff of a guru with skepticism. After all, there have been a steady stream of questionable gurus making their way through our collective culture over the past fifty odd years. * Together, questionable gurus and desperate seekers make for a disturbing reality, one we’ve witnessed time and time again.
If you find the psychological sleuthing surrounding false gurus and their starry eyed followers juicy, and if you appreciate the mockumentaries of Sacha Baron Cohen, of Borat fame, you’ll find lots to like in this movie. Not straight up funny, but definitely giggle worthy.
Writer, Director & Star, Vikram Gandhi, grew up in New Jersey, within a family of Indian immigrants. His grandmother would regularly perform morning Hindu rituals and it is to her that the film is dedicated. He finds it easy to grow his hair and beard long, don orange robes, adopt a strong accent, and acquire a following. Frighteningly easy. In the end he must come clean and confess his deceit. It takes him more than one attempt to reveal the truth, and in doing so his authentic message becomes clear. The guru is within, and we are all our own gurus. Each of his followers is free and has no need for him. We are on the edges of our seats waiting to see how the followers will react. Will they eat him for lunch, or choose to be more spiritually evolved?
You’ll be surprised. You’ll be embarrassed. You’ll hate that so many people were duped. You’ll understand that these seekers are mostly sincere, and many have had real, measurable improvements in their lives as a result of Kumaré’s teaching. As for Kumaré, what is it like for Vikram to return to normal life after being such a lofty character? I love this movie.
* I recognize that not all gurus are or have been charlatans.
