India Comes to the Big Screen

Set in 18th-century India, the film traces the path of 11-year-old Neelkanth (played by 10-year-old Latesh Patel), who, leaving his home town of Ayodhya in Northern India, traverses barefoot and alone 8,000 miles over India's often treacherous terrain without food or money in hand. Neelkanth's journey from 1792 to 1799 is one of steely resolve and survival against all odds. When he reaches Muktinath, where an ancient temple of Lord Vishnu stands surrounded by 108 waterspouts (pictured below), Neelkanth performs severe yogic austerities, undeterred by adverse weather conditions. He grows up to become a great Hindu spiritual leader, Bhagwan Swaminarayan, founder of the movement that today bears his name. BAPS President Southwest Chapter Vikram Patel feels the documentary vindicates India of the negative view portrayed by Western media: "They're always showing India as mired in misery and poverty. The film gives a wider view of her cultural legacy, arts, spirituality." BAPS Public Relations Coordinator Keith Patel was elated with the turnout. "Every weekend we have sold-out bookings. At most showings, mainstream viewers comprise around 35 percent of the audience." Latha Thomas, Director of Marketing at the Natural Science Museum, described Mystic India as a "crowd pleaser."