आदि शंकराचार्य

Adi Shankaracharya (1983) : Brief Review -

A Sansrit language film made in Kannada cinema that pays tribute to the greatness of Hindu Philosophy and Monism. It stands as one of those experimental films from Kannada cinema with pan-India appeal-though mainly among Hindus. Almost every Hindu in India is familiar with the name Adi Shankaracharya, and his doctrine of Nondualism has been deeply admired and followed by countless disciples over generations. This film chronicles his life with minimal deviation, capturing key events of his spiritual and philosophical journey with impressive authenticity. Special thanks to the person who uploaded this film on YouTube with well-synced subtitles, including helpful pretexts for events, actions, and locations. The film begins with Shankaracharya's childhood and his plea to his mother to pursue the path of Monism. From that moment on, he walks unwaveringly on the Sanatani path. His scholarly debates and discourses earn him a reputation and followers across regions. As the film progresses, we journey with him through the milestones of his life-his teachings of Monism, humanity, and equality-and how he tried to remove jealousy from human nature. The dialogues are powerful and poetic, delivered aptly in Sanskrit, a language that perfectly encapsulates the depth of the story and philosophy. However, the film is long and slow-paced. Even at 2x speed, it feels sluggish. Extended pan shots and aerial views-some lasting over a minute-show Shankara and his companions walking across landscapes. The frequent Sanskrit chants, while authentic, might not resonate with viewers unfamiliar with the mantras. Sarvadaman D. Banerjee, along with the child actor who played young Shankara, deliver praiseworthy performances. G. V. Iyer's direction makes this an absorbing biopic, though not always fully engaging. Still, a superb film for its time and for Kannada cinema.

RATING - 6.5/10*

By - #samthebestest.

I am thankful to the director for making this movie. The idea of depicting Death as a young companion of Adi Shankara is just brilliant. It also gives us a glimpse of times past and the glory and heroism of Adi Shankara's mission. The only complaint I have is the low-budget nature of the project. The reason must be that the movie was not commercially funded and lacked the financial resources of a big-budget production, but that may be for the better since the director did not have to bow to commercial compulsions in making the movie. A grander production of the same movie in regional languages is long overdue given Adi Shankara's instrumental role in reconciling Buddhist philosophy with Vedic Philosophy and singlehandedly revitalizing Dharma in India.

Its a very well shot movie with the scenes mostly speaking for themselves, although the dialogues are great in Sanskrit. Shri GV Iyer definitely must've understood the advaita philosophy well to do such a fantabulous job. Moreover, the director has kept the events that had varied opinions (that is, where not everyone agrees on what exactly happened then) left to interpretation in most cases.

The acting of each individual is praiseworthy. The Vedic recitation has been captured well, and in these modern years, one of the most difficult jobs of bringing in age-old authenticity to the geography has been achieved without doubt.

The movie brings an amazing calm with it and takes you at a different level with each scene, also making you want to see more of GV Iyer's works. Sadly, he passed away before finishing his work on Ramayana.

Adi Shankaracharya is well known not only in India but the rest of the world. He lived around 1100 years ago and has worked greatly for the benefit of Hindu society. His life is pure and beyond question. He is an inspiration to all human beings.

G.V.Iyer has captured the mood of the times of Adi Shankara so well that we feel that we are leaving in a bygone era while watching the movie. It is taken as an art movie more than a commercial movie and is a treat to watch. Selection of actors is also good, also the locations and the narration. The language and the scenes in the movie depict the times and is not influenced by the present condition. Also there is no exaggeration which is attempted in the movie. G.V.Iyer has also taken movies like Madhvacharya, Ramanujacharya, Bhagavad Gita, Shantala, Swami Vivekananda, Hamsa Geethe to name a few. All the movies are simple, but the message and mood is definitely out of the world experience. Hope our new trend of directors will imbibe from the likes of G.V.Iyer which I feel is a real tribute to the master.

Indian Vedic contribution is a reservoir of Vibrant Information and Harmonious Creativity. May the womb of nature embrace all with tranquil blessings from this day forward? Let this attract one's attention affecting them positively. It is a sanctuary of the self a creative venue which serves as an enduring expression of lightness,where a peaceful atmosphere with sunlight flows and serene atmosphere prevail.

In the storm of life we struggle through myriads of stimuli of pressure, stress, and multi problems that seek for a solution and answer. We are so suppressed by the routine of this every life style that most of us seem helpless. However, if we look closely to ancient techniques we shall discover the magnificent way to understand and realize the ones around us and mostly ourselves. If only we could stop for a moment and allow this to happen. May all beings be happy (LokaSamasthaSukhinoBhavanthu) is the essence of Indian philosophy.

The ancient Indian philosophy of keeping mind and body for the well being has entered the managerial, medical and judicial domain of the world. Today it has found its place as an alternative to the theory of modern management and also as a means to bring back the right path of peace and prosperity for the human beings..