Adi Shankaracharya

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.

This is a Sanskrit biographical film on Adi Shankaracharya.

The film is an excellent summary of the key events in the life of Adi Shankaracharya. He was the foremost guru who walked the length and breadth of Bharat elaborating and teaching people on the principles of Sanatana Dharma (to the masses) and Advaita Vedanta (to scholars). He was a visionary who set up four mutts in the four corners of the country for the propagation of Sanatana Dharma (more commonly known as Hinduism). A scholar who provided simple commentaries on the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita and the Brahma Sutras - the most revered texts of Sanatana Dharma. A poet who wrote lilting poems on Devi, Shiva, Ganga and many such divinities. A humanitarian who set up a method of worship, preached sects to come together and even wrote simple introductory granthas for people to move forward on the spiritual path. All this before giving up the physical frame by the age of 32.

You must not miss this film about the greatest spiritual legend who has walked the sacred bhoomi of Bharatavarsha.

The director GV Iyer and the lead Sarvadaman Banerjee do full justice. It's also commendable that this was the first Sanskrit film made in Bharat.

The movie is an honest effort to portray life and work of Shri Adi Shankaracharya who revived Sanatana Dharma which was jolted by Buddhism and urgently needed repairs and was about to fall. The movie is picturised in locations that takes you to time and place of His time. The sound and dialogue are perfect. Music is great and every character played their part perfectly. It is made originally in Sanskrit language and in fact is the first Sanskrit movie. The movie is first serious effort to bring life of a man who is an incarnation of lord Shiva and infact the incarnation just to protect Vedic wisdom after the great sage Shri Vyasadeva and only been followed by Lord Chaitanya and Great Swami Vivekananda.

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.

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..