Vikram Gandhi is an Indian-American born in New Jersey. Becoming tired of the growing trend of Guru's establishing themselves in the United States, Vikram decides to impersonate a wise Indian Guru and build a following in Arizona. What begins as what can only be describe as an elaborate prank in order to explose the absurdity of blind faith, becomes so much more, as Kumare begins to form profound connections with people from all walks of life. Vikram Gandhi's Kumare is a powerful and profund documentary exploring the link between spirituality and identity. While the film could have easily veered into a rather mean-spirited expose of blind faith, it instead fortifies the need for people to find their own identity, with spirtuality serviving as part of the process. What makes Kumare so fascinating is not how Kumare exposes the triviality of these Gurus but how we see Vikram's own spirit transform in front of the camera. The sequence towards the end of the film is particularly affecting, as Vikram preps to reveal his true identity to his disciples and in doing so, reveals the greatest teaching of all. Everyone in the world is looking for happiness, searching for understanding and what this film suggests is much of this can be found in oneself. I could see some people viewing this film as a damnation of spirtuality, questioning the morals of Vikram Gandhi's method, but for me the film beautifully captures the difference between spirtuality and spiritual leaders. Vikram Gandhi's Kumare is an insightful and endearing journey into spirtuality, capturing the importance in believing in oneself. 7.75/10
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AuthorLove of all things cinema brought me here. Archives
June 2023
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