Prime Video: Mystic India - An Incredible Journey of InspirationMystic India - An Incredible Journey of Inspiration
7.5
45min
2005
Home to the oldest civilization, India is our world's largest democracy.
For millenia, many have left their homes and set off across this spiritual land in search of its secrets, to share the meaning of life that would elevate the rest of humanity.
Of all such journeys, none is greater than the true story of an 11-year-old child yogi, Neelkanth, who left his home on a journey of awakening.
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Mystic India
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| Directed by | Keith Melton |
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| Written by | Mose Richards |
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| Produced by | BAPS Charities |
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| Starring | Latesh Patel
Rupak Mehta |
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| Narrated by | Peter O'Toole |
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| Cinematography | Reed Smoot |
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| Edited by | AKS Media Network |
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| Music by | Sam Cardon, Pandit Ronu Majumdar |
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| Distributed by | Giant Screen Films |
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Release date | |
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Running time | 40 min. |
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| Country | India |
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| Languages | Hindi
English |
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Mystic India is a 2004 large format film (commonly known as the IMAX format) about India's culture, people, and traditions. It is told through the 12,000 km barefoot journey throughout 18th century India undertaken by the Hindu adolescent ascetic Nilkanth, later known in life as Swaminarayan by his followers. The film was directed by Keith Melton and financed and produced by BAPS Charities. The film is available in Hindi, English, French and Spanish.
- Latesh Patel as young Nilkanth. At His youngest, this is when He sets out on His journey, and during his early experiences during the journey.
- Rupak Mehta as older Nilkanth. Portrayed to represent Him as he gets older during his 7-year journey, as it comes to an end.
- Peter O'Toole as the narrator for the English version of the film, describing and elaborating with each scene that passes.
- Total Cast: Mystic India incorporated 45,000 cast members. The scene of arti being performed at the Akshardham alone had 9,000 cast members in it, while the scene of the Rath Yatra had 8,000 cast members.[1]
Nilkanth’s Journey[edit]
Nilkanth walked 12,000 kilometers around the Indian subcontinent over a span of 7 years. His journey took him through the "dense jungles, fertile plains, majestic mountains, mighty rivers, and peaceful coastlines" of India.[2] This journey included the exploration of “India’s silent spirituality” and its appropriation as a "mystic land of meditation, contemplation and enlightenment."[2]
Leaving Home[edit]
On June 29, 1792 at the age of 11, Nilkanth left home "to begin his life work of establishing ekantik dharma."[3] Nilkanth took very few possessions with him on his journey. Known articles include a loin cloth, "a rosary, a kerchief, a piece of cloth for filtering water and a small manuscript."[4]
In the Himalayas[edit]
Nilkanth first travelled to the Himalayan Mountains and reached Badrinath during October 1792.[5] Soon thereafter, he reached Nepal and performed austerities by standing on one leg in meditation for four months.[5]
At Jagannath Puri[edit]
"Leaving the Himalayas, Nilkanth went through Bengal to Jagannathpuri in the east."[6] It is here that Nilkanth took part in the Rath Yatra, a festival dedicated to the pulling of Lord Jagannath’s murti on a royal chariot.[2]
In South India[edit]
From Jagannath Puri, Nilkanth traveled to South India. "He visited the sacred places associated with the life of Ramanuja, including his birthplace at Sriperumbudur and the famous pilgrimage temple at Srirangam. Nilkanth’s journey through Kanchipuram, Kumbakonam, Madurai, and Rameshwaram took him to the southern tip of India."[6]
In Gujarat[edit]
On July 21, 1799, Nilkanth’s journey finally ended in the town of Loj, Gujarat. In Loj at the age of 18, Nilkanth met Muktanand Swami, a senior leader of a group of ascetics who followed the Vaishnava teachings of their guru Ramanand Swami.[5]
Soundtrack[edit]
The music for the film was a joint effort between Sam Cardon, Ronu Majumdar, and BAPS musicians. Due to this diverse talent pool, the music for Mystic India covers a wide spectrum, ranging from western symphony to Indian traditional music.[1]
Production[edit]
The film was shot during two different time periods, March to May 2003 and January to February 2004.[1] The shooting was done at over 100 different locations, some as high as 13,000 feet. The most cinematically appealing scene is during the Rath Yatra festival in Jagannathpuri. The shot included chariots over five stories tall and over 8,000 participants.[1]
Reception[edit]
Critical reception[edit]
According to movie review website Rotten Tomatoes, Mystic India received an overall critic approval rating of 86%. Top critic Roger Moore of the Orlando Sentinel said that the film "utterly fills the screen with wondrous images of a place that few will ever have the chance to explore".[7] Top critic Philip Wuntch of the Dallas Morning News said "the film celebrates India’s diversity and makes a strong and moving plea for unity among the peoples of the world".[7]
Mystic India received the Audience’s Choice Award at the 10th International Large Format Film Festival at La Geode in Paris, France. The festival lasted from January 12 to the 31st in 2005. Mystic India was one of nine large format films selected to be screened at the festival.[8] Mystic India was also accredited with the honor of “Most Popular Film” at the San Jose IMAX Film Festival.[9]
References[edit]
External links[edit]
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Customer Review
Y
3.0 out of 5 stars The Storybook India
Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2013
Verified Purchase
India has many faces and its mystic face is the one that most often finds itself in the great stories because of its charm and allure. This is a film tracking the footsteps of a popular religious leader in British-era India and the title is perhaps a tad misleading.
The strong religious, metaphysical and spiritual tone of the story may not be appealing to everybody. The breathtakingly beautiful cinematography and excellent choice of music makes this film a wonderful insight into an India of the past, or what we are made to think India's past looked like in the storybooks!
There are no dearth of beautiful places in India and any attempt at making an India-scale documentary can, at best, scratch the surface. This is an excellent introduction to those who don't know much about India, but here's a spoiler: do not expect India to as shown in the film if you do visit the country.
13 people found this helpful
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Mystic India (2005) Poster
Mystic India (2005)
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10/10
Simply Amazing
dlakhani8811 July 2006
Mystic India takes you through icy peaks to the cool blue Lake Mansarovar, into the wild jungles of Sunderbans and the reforests of Assam, through barren deserts and to the silent shores of South India. Explore and learn from the majesty and mysticism of India's art and architecture, music and dance, faces and festivals, customs and costumes which are brought to life on the giant screen.
This entertaining, educating and enlightening giant screen film rediscovers India, a land of many mysteries and fascinations. It is the world's first large format epic on India. A period film set 200 years back in time, it retraces the incredible journey of an 11-year old child yogi, Neelkanth. In 1792 AD, he walked for 12,000 km continuously for 7 years, barefoot and barebody, through the length and breadth of India, from the Himalayas to the southern sea-shores. A must see...10/10 5***** Simply Amazing!!!!
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10/10
Mystic India, A Must See
pramukh192127 February 2006
This was a great non-fiction, true account of a young boy's journey through India. It shows the courage, persistence, and knowledge of a young Indian boy, while depicting the magnificence of the Indian land, people, and festivals. This is a must see film for any fan of culture, history, and magnificence; a student of architecture or beauty; or anyone who wishes to spend their time watching an enjoyable film. This great film will broaden your horizons for and toward the magnificence that is India, the beauty of its festivals, and the true nature of its people. The film, which started as one boy's journey, to attain true spiritual knowledge, does not end with his final footsteps, but it is a journey that begins within each and every person as they marvel at the magnanimous nature of this boy's travels and spiritual intent.
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9/10
Great Film - must see
riteshg24 November 2005
Great film, its a must see for everyone. Puts together a snapshot of India and its culture in less than an hour, with the endearing story of Neelkanth - a child yogi who traveled across India on foot. Children and adults will all enjoy this film, and learn from it. The only limitation is that since its in 70mm, only Imax and such theaters will show it, so everyone won't be able to see it in their city. But the upside is that only a large canvas does justice to this film and country - with the colors and lights of India, interwoven by Neelkanth's travels, it deserves a huge 70mm screen. The scene of the chariot festival with thousands of people celebrating is breathtaking.
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10/10
Excellent documentary/movie for everyone
yoga633 March 2007
The movie shows full breath and depth of India's vast culture on the backdrop of life story of Neelkanth, a young yogi. As an Indian, I walk away with pride and feeling confidence of my heritage and myself. My kids also liked the movie a lot. I assume, non-Indian, will find it very informative, interesting, and of course mystic. After watching the movie, one may feel like experiencing the parts of India, as the Neelkanth did. So, this movie can be bing boon to India's tourism industry.
I wish there is a web-site to follow up, so the viewers can further dive into the mysticism of India.
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10/10
Fantastic Documentary - And a Stunning Film
solitary_mariner13 June 2013
Mystic India is an absolutely breathtaking and stunning piece of film work and has a soundtrack to match. Unfortunately it is not very well known as it was shot in 70mm for Imax. This documentary takes you you from the lowlands and jungles of India to the towering Himalayas whilst following in the footsteps of 11 year old Nilkanth as he sets out on a 12000km journey of enlightenment in the year of 1792.
The Rath Yatra festival in Jagannathpuri is a scene not be missed and for me, was the highlight of this movie. It included over 8,000 participants and chariots taller than five stories high.
Narrated by Peter O'Toole, with amazing music Mystic India will take you to to locations that you can only ever dream of seeing. This is one for the bucket list of films to see - you will not be disappointed. A guaranteed feast for the eyes, the ears and the soul.
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7/10
Great Photography, but a little too Idealistic
mthaker-125 November 2006
The Positives: Videography and photography are absolutely astounding and are what make this film worthwhile to see. The sights of India are well-represented by the giant screen and excellent angles and shots of the photography crew. Because the land's physical terrain is so diverse, the travels of Neelkanth Varni (a young Hindu yogi who later establishes the Swaminarayan Sampradaya) truly reveal the natural beauty of 18th century India.
I also thought Peter O'Toole did a good job explaining (though its VERY brief) the basic characteristics of ashtanga-yoga, the fundamental practice of classical Hinduism and Buddhism.
The Negatives: Because the film's goal was to sample the culture, natural beauty, and spirituality of India, none of the topics represented got enough exposure, in my opinion. The film tried to do a little TOO much by covering every topic it possibly could. I thought that if they followed the story of Neelkanth a little more closely, the film would be a little more successful in both exposing the art and architecture of India and the inspiring accomplishments of Neelkanth Varni.
The other major negative persists throughout the film: the tone of the commentary shows an idealistic India, when in actuality, Hinduism was experiencing a significant decline in the early 18th century. Though the portrayal of Neelkanth was based on factual history, the film is a romanticized synopsis of Hindu thought and culture.
The goal of the film is to show India in all its beauty and diversity. I think it accomplished that goal overall. It's definitely worth seeing.
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MOVE REVIEW
The Boston Globe
Mystic India
An idealized ride through India
''Mystic India'' is a greatest-hits tour of lovely sites. ''Mystic India'' is a greatest-hits tour of lovely sites.
By Ethan Gilsdorf
Globe Correspondent / May 22, 2009
Email|Print|Reprints||Text size – +
Though technically not an IMAX film, "Mystic India: An Incredible Journey of Inspiration" is billed as "the first large format epic on India." But as this promotional short masquerading as a documentary proves, size isn't everything.
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Find showtimes and theaters for 'Mystic India'
MYSTIC INDIA: An Incredible Journey of Inspiration
Directed by: Keith Melton
Starring: Latesh Patel, narrated by Peter O'Toole
At: Museum of Science
Running time: 44 minutes
Rated: G
In English
The seductive, grandiloquent voice of Peter O'Toole guides us through a greatest-hits package tour of Indian sites. Helicopters swoop us over the snowy Himalayas and across jagged ravines and raging rivers. Crowds of joyous (but largely silent) villagers dance and throw flower petals at festivals, and yogis stand silhouetted under archways and on riverbanks, bathed in amber sunsets. The camera tilts and pans across intricately carved temples as O'Toole intones, "India is a land of colorful customs and fascinating events." Yawn.
The film's 100-plus architectural and geological locations are the backdrop for the true story of 11-year-old Neelkanth, a boy yogi who left his village in 1792 on a solo, seven-year, 8,000-mile, barefoot pilgrimage. In this retelling, the youth climbs glaciers, crosses jungles, stops by the sacred Haridwar River, and visits stunning sites like Badrinath Temple. He uses his yogi powers to survive freezing temperatures. (O'Toole claims "scientists at Harvard and elsewhere" have confirmed this could have happened.) Along the way, Neelkanth pauses under trees, tames a lion, meets villagers, and spreads the gospel: "I have no home, only a journey." The boy goes on to become Swaminarayan, a key figure in modern Hinduism who, the film says, "ushered in rays of hope" and helped unify the nation.
This is an ultra-romanticized vision of a crowded, complicated nation. O'Toole's narration brushes aside India's history of ethnic and religious strife with tourist-board platitudes like "The whole of India seems filled with lamps, firecrackers, and joy." And, because "Mystic India" is set in the 18th century, there's nary a cellphone, smog cloud, or shantytown in sight.
But like on a tedious train or car trip, the landscape can still be gorgeous. Cast a blind eye to the present, and enjoy the pretty ride.
© Copyright 2009 Globe Newspaper Company.
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