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.

Cast

  • 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.

Plot

Nilkanth’s Journey

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. This journey included the exploration of "India’s silent spirituality" and its appropriation as a "mystic land of meditation, contemplation and enlightenment." 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."

In the Himalayas

Nilkanth first travelled to the Himalayan Mountains and reached Badrinath during October 1792. Soon thereafter, he reached Nepal and performed austerities by standing on one leg in meditation for four months. 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. 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". Mystic India was also accredited with the honor of "Most Popular Film" at the San Jose IMAX Film Festival.

References

  • Review in Chronique Asiexpo (French)