Danny Goes Aum

I discovered this film on an airplane and was instantly drawn in by the title. The protagonist is a distingué English gentleman who journeys to Goa. His vocation as a script-writer/ editor remains unfulfilled, which I thought was symbolic of his general disposition as pensive and despondent. He is like a ghost ship, internally adrift when the two distinct female characters mysteriously and playfully board his ship as "fleeting passangers" so to speak whilst on their respective journeys and artfully nudge him to the shore where he does much introspection. I really appreciate the space this film offers and it feels like this wonderful and meaningful work of art maintains the same pace as your breathing. The music was unadultrated and stunning, which is really hard to come by whether it be a mainstream feature film or an indie film such as this one. Lovely French, English, and Indian cast and masterful direction, cinematography, and coloring. I wholeheartedly support meaningful pieces like this and I already have all the other works by this director on my list. I strongly recommend watching in the dark with headphones on as I did 30,000 feet above sea level!

-tea 13/5/2025.

An easy mood piece envisioned with a quiet elegance. Subtle yet powerful performances and a moving score embodies the essence of the film- a poignant, poetic, wistful odyssey of exploration and self-discovery. With its unconventional story arc it eschews dramatic crises or narrative lurches in favour of something altogether more ambient. The calm unobtrusive cinematography compliments the film's aesthetic while showcasing a Goa one can only imagine and hope for. The movie's powered by director Sandeep Mohan's graceful vision; soulful and unhurried, a collection of relatable moments (or desires) and proves meaningful stories can be told with the simplest productions. Kudos to all involved.

Here's your movie review with a warm addition about the songs: Sometimes, a film doesn't need to be grand or loud to leave an impression-it simply needs to be honest. Danny Goes Aum is one of those rare creations that quietly settles into the heart. The story unfolds with a gentle pace, carrying with it moments of stillness, laughter, and reflection that invite the audience to breathe along with it.

What touched me most was the relatability of the journey. There were scenes that felt like conversations I've had with myself, questions I've quietly carried, and silences I've often embraced. The acting felt natural, the dialogue delivery was done so perfectly. The cinematography was subtle yet soulful-each frame seemed to hold an atmosphere of simplicity and calm.

The music deserves a special mention. Every song felt like an extension of the story-never forced, but flowing seamlessly with the emotions on screen.

The melodies were soothing, the lyrics meaningful, and together they created a soundscape that deepened the film's sense of stillness and intimacy. The songs didn't just accompany the scenes; they carried their own gentle wisdom, leaving echoes in the heart long after they ended.

The direction deserves appreciation for not forcing drama, but instead allowing the film to flow like a river, carrying emotions softly yet steadily. This is a film for those willing to sit with themselves for a while.

In its humility, the movie teaches that beauty lies in groundedness. It is a piece to cherish quietly, perhaps with a hand on the heart, letting its resonance linger long after the credits roll.

I came across Danny Goes Aum while flying to Malaysia, and I throughly enjoyed it. Honestly, I don't normally enjoy watching movies on flights: The dialogue is often difficult to understand and the small screens tend to dampen the atmosphere of movies. However, this certainly wasn't the case for Danny Goes Aum, which filled me with a desire to explore the globe and meet new people - exactly the feeling I needed while embarking on a journey myself. (Good choice Malaysian Airlines!)

The movie impressed me for several reasons. Firstly, the images of Goa were truly beautiful and inspiring. Secondly, it was the positive, feel-good nature of the movie with good natured characters willing to see the best in people, rather than condemn them for their potentially problematic behaviour. Finally, I loved the indie spirit of the movie with a brilliant collection of undiscovered tunes - many of which were seemingly performed by "Danny" himself. Folk pop music lovers, check out Andrew Sloman's tunes.

Well crafted film with little nuances that try to resolve the lead character's quest of self-discovery. Every character has its own prominence and journey. Dialogues are beautiful and the film has its own soulful space and pace. The technicalities like camera, locations and music is also amazing. Will touch the hearts of audiences for sure. The theme and story of the film is unique, yet simple and heart-touching. Loved the second half specially when Danny meets the Indian Girl, their conversations about life and relationships are amazing. Different characters with two different mindsets and perspectives.