hyphenated twentysomething

Mystic India

This March, there is a unique and inspiring film called Mystic India coming to Chicagoland.

The first epic large format film on India, this film follows the journey of an extraordinary 11-year-old child named Neelkanth as he treks for 7 years, 8,000 miles, barefoot across the length and breadth of India. Walking with this young yogi, experience the colorful traditions and festivals of an ancient land, explore a diverse country of deserts, tropical forests, mountains, and plains.

Mystic India is a journey of exploration, a journey of education, but above all else a journey of inspiration. Through all its colors, breathtaking landscapes, and intriguing faces, Mystic India has one simple message – the universally inspiring message of Unity in Diversity. As he narrates the film, Peter O'Toole highlights the theme of Neelkanth's journey: "We are all one people; we share the same sky, walk the same earth, breath the same air; that we are a single human family." It is a film about a nation increasingly in the international spotlight. The film's message and central theme of unity and diversity in one that is continually relevant in our communities.

Filmed by award winning cinematographer Reed Smoot, directed by the respected Keith Melton, with music by the renowned Sam Cardon, Mystic India has been acclaimed at film festivals around the world. In Paris, Mystic India took the "Audience Choice Award" at the 10th Annual International Large Format Film Festival.

Also some interesting points (link):

• A large format Epic on a scale never seen before.
• A period film that transports you back to 18th Century India.
• Experience India's intricate architecture, colorful festivals, traditional rituals, fascinating peoples and landscapes.
• A land of ancient civilization.
• An amazing true story that has the power to inspire millions across generations.
• 11-year-old child, 7 years, 8,000 miles, one incredible journey.
• Filmed in over 100 locations all over India, from the freezing Himalayas to the scorching deserts.
• A cast of 45,000.

I saw the movie in India and it was simply amazing, from the music, visual scenes, cinematography to the actual acting and premise. I understand that the version showing here in America is going to be a little different in terms of certain scenes used. Nevertheless, I know it will be an extremely unique showing.

And, no, despite the "mystic" title, and the fact that it contains many colorful costumes and numerous locations, I did not feel that it was meant to exotify India or reveal some sort of ancient, mysterious culture far away in the East. I admit, I am not too fond of the movie's title, but one must keep in mind that it is advertised as a period piece. Upon viewing it, I felt that it simply tried to show different types of people, traditions, cultural practices, landscapes, and festivals that are celebrated and a part of what is truly India, an extremely diverse nation. While the film focuses on Hinduism, it does show pieces of Sikhism and Islam among other religions and practices. Also, it is meant to be shown from the point of a young yogi, travelling the subcontinent, so much of movie is like a tour of India. It almost reminds me of those new Incredible! India commercials, but more focused on a certain period in time and in particular characters.

It will be opening at the Cinemark IMAX Theater in Woodridge. If you would like more information about the film please visit www.mysticindia.com . It has a lot more information and some great stills, a trailer, and the soundtrack from the movie. The Cinemark IMAX Theater in Woodridge can be reached at (630) 434-2629 or at mailto:groupsales403@cinemark.com. The movie will be playing for at least a month until mid-April before moving on to other cities nationwide.

I will be going to the first show on Sat. April 1st. If you're interested in going on that date, please email me at the this blog's email address (listed at the bottom of the page) and I can get tickets for you.

...And that ends my plug for the day!

posted by payal @ 10:50 AM