Written by
Lalitha Mallikeswaran
Review for the film "
Kumare"
Runtime:
01 Hour 24 Minutes
CAST & CREW
MORE CAST & CREW
Kumare is a satirical documentary, directed by
Vikram Gandhi
Vikram Gandhi was raised in New Jersey after being >> Read More...
. Bryan Carmel and Brendan Colthurst have co-produced this film. This documentary is distributed by Kino Lorber. Kahlil Hudson and Daniel Leeb are the cinematographers, while Adam Barton and Nathan Russell are the editors of this film. This documentary stars Vikram Gandhi in the lead. The supporting cast of the film includes
Purva Bedi
Bio coming soon...
>> Read More...
and Kristen Calgaro. The documentary got a theatrical release on 20 June 2012.
Plot
Vikram Gandhi, the son of two Indian immigrants, becomes increasingly skeptical of religion as he enters adulthood. However, as he prepares a documentary about the New Age movement, he adopts an unconventional solution: impersonating a guru himself. However, Vikram finds it hard to quit the identity he has adopted. What shall he do?
Star Performances
Vikram Gandhi as the actor and filmmaker, does a phenomenal job. He takes potshots, and contemplates the essence of spirituality, all while keeping the satire intact.
Analysis
‘New Age’ Movement, for those unaware, is the Western society’s attraction to new avenues of spirituality during the early 70s. At the same time when the Hippies were on the rise, the New Age movement had its effects, often giving way to self-proclaimed healers or philosophers who aimed to mint money, rather than focusing on the lesser-known aspects of theology or spirituality.
‘Kumare’ is an exploration of the same, using the same templates as popularized in the Sacha Baron Cohen-led mockumentary ‘BORAT.’ The target audience is the same, the only difference is that Americans are being viewed through the eyes of a ‘spiritual’ Indian immigrant.
As acclaimed Roger Ebert said, “It does not matter if a religion's teachings are true. What matters is if you think they are." USA is not new to Indian philosophers milking the ‘New Age Movement.’ While some, like Mahesh Yogi, Paramhansa Yogananda etc., attracted the Western audience, and genuinely sought a new insight into spirituality, others like Bikram Chaudhary, Rajneesh Osho, etc. only exploited their identities for commercial gain.
Through his own experience, Vikram Gandhi also portrays how some people believe the spiritual gurus so quickly, that even if the latter reveal themselves as imposters, they will not believe it at all! Since he does not aim to please everyone, he goes on the offensive. He is one of the few seekers, who cares for his followers, even if just for his documentary. The hesitation in revealing his natural persona is nothing artificial here.
Ethically, this mockumentary might not please everyone. But aesthetically, ‘Kumare’ does pose some crucial questions.
What's There?
What's Not There?
Verdict
Some might pass off ‘Kumare’ as a poor man’s ‘Borat.’ However, Vikram Gandhi does make a sincere attempt to show the not-so-great side of spiritual gurus, who exploit both religion and the sentiments of their followers to make a name for themselves!
Initally, they just felt that it is just another deep message. Gandhi may have fooled the people, but you won’t find that deception as an issue after watching the movie.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Drama, Satire, Documentary
Vikram Gandhi
01 Hour 24 Minutes
20-06-2012
Alex Kliment
Plot revolves around Drama, Satire, Documentary, etc.
3.5
3.40
Yes, it's rated UA
No, it will be available soon on Amazon Prime Video
Adam Barton, Nathan Russell
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