Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Crisis: Discover India’s ‘Mahamantra’!

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Amidst today’s world turmoil, Indian filmmaker Girish Malik is boldly moving forward with a thought-provoking docu-drama. His latest project, titled “Mahamantra,” offers age-old wisdom to tackle current issues and is currently being showcased at the European Film Market. By blending Vedic philosophy, contemporary science, and poignant social commentary, Malik portrays it as a heartfelt plea for change and harmony.

Malik explains that ‘Mahamantra’ was created from the remnants of his personal hardships and a world that appears to be on the verge of collapse. The past few years have been overwhelming, with wars, environmental disasters, pandemics, and an unending wave of chaos.

The movie, brought to us by Malik’s Clapstem Productions, represents a daring shift from Malik’s past projects such as “Torbaaz” (2021) on Netflix and the politically inclined musical “Band of Maharajas” (2024). In this new endeavor, he delves into heavier subjects, drawing connections between Shiva’s celestial dance and contemporary scientific concepts, and referencing influential figures like Oppenheimer and Einstein.

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This upcoming film from Malik’s Clapstem Productions signifies a significant departure from Malik’s earlier works like “Torbaaz” (2021) on Netflix and the politically-oriented musical “Band of Maharajas” (2024). Here, he explores heavier topics by linking Shiva’s cosmic dance to modern scientific theories and incorporating references to figures such as Oppenheimer and Einstein.

The project gathers a diverse group of contributors, with Dr. Arvind Lal, the CEO of Dr. Lal PathLabs and author of “Corporate Yogi”, serving as the narrator and host. According to Malik, these discussions sparked a common vision, aiming to delve into ancient knowledge that appears particularly relevant in our contemporary world. In simpler terms, the project unites a variety of collaborators, with Dr. Arvind Lal being the lead, whose book “Corporate Yogi” played a significant role in initiating this film’s creation. As Malik puts it, these conversations ignited a flame, inspiring us to explore ancient wisdom that seems incredibly valuable in our current society.

Enriching the philosophical journey with deep rhythmic layers is the celebrated tabla artist Bikram Ghosh, boasting four Grammy-nominated albums and the honor of composing for India’s 75th Independence Day festivities. Ghosh’s musical score intends to amplify the film’s fusion of Japanese Butoh and Indian classical dances, resulting in a “powerfully symbolic” audio-visual encounter as detailed in the production notes.

As a movie enthusiast, I find the timing of this film incredibly poignant. In one scene, Malik remarks, “We’re perched precariously on a steep cliff,” suggesting that divine intervention or a massive shift in our collective mindset might be our sole hope for survival. To me, this film, titled “Mahamantra”, is not merely another documentary; it’s the director’s endeavor to construct a sanctuary amidst the tumultuous global chaos he sees around us.

In my perspective as a movie critic, this film masterfully weaves its visual narrative, notably when it comes to the recurring “Om Namah Shivaya” mantra. Rather than just a religious incantation, Malik portrays it as a dynamic energy, a living entity capable of molding reality itself. This concept is brilliantly demonstrated in scenes where quantum physics imagery is seamlessly combined with traditional symbols, resulting, as the director puts it, in a novel visual vocabulary for timeless wisdom.

The movie’s creators are renowned thinkers in philosophy, theoretical physics, and Vedic studies. The film intends to act as Malik describes it: a connection between the scientific wisdom of ancient Vedas and the revolutionary ideas of scientists such as Einstein, Tesla, and Carl Sagan. This method showcases what the director refers to as “the interconnectedness of all things,” encouraging us to rediscover age-old principles – Dharma (ethical conduct), Artha (wealth and prosperity), Kama (desires and pleasure), and Moksha (freedom from the cycle of life and death) – in order to build a future characterized by balance and harmony.

The movie showcases intricate themes through its examination of contemporary ethical quandaries. It delves into these issues using references from original sources, exploring the philosophical connections between Shiva’s cosmic dance, Krishna’s character in the “Mahabharata,” and the moral struggles experienced by individuals such as Robert Oppenheimer, as Malik puts it: “The film plunges deep into the essence of Shiva’s cosmic dance, blending it with Krishna’s strategic prowess during the ‘Mahabharata,’ and even delving into the ethical predicaments faced by figures like Oppenheimer.

The design process significantly contributes to bringing our vision to life. The movie combines intricate practical effects and artistic digital techniques to generate awe-inspiring visuals that stir deep emotions and introspection, as suggested in the production notes. This fusion is most noticeable during scenes portraying the cycle of creation and destruction, where Japanese Butoh dance and classical Indian choreography are seamlessly combined.

The music in the movie, composed by Ghosh, is worth noting too. With his background in Grammy-nominated world music projects, Ghosh has crafted a unique blend he calls “a sonic bridge between ancient chants and modern music styles.” The soundtrack combines traditional instruments with contemporary electronic elements, resulting in an immersive audio experience for early listeners.

As a cinephile, it’s clear that Malik has the knack for tackling grandiose stories. My first directorial venture, “Jal” (2014), was screened at the prestigious Busan International Film Festival. More recently, “Band of Maharajas” made its mark in no less than two Academy Award categories: best original song and best original score. To top it off, “Torbaaz” has been a hit, streaming in over 20 nations on Netflix.

Dr. Lal’s storytelling seamlessly connects professional achievement in business with spiritual enlightenment, based on his background as a health care industry leader and spiritual explorer. His involvement adds authenticity to the movie’s mission of blending traditional methods with contemporary living.

The production team has already arranged translations in German, French, Russian, Italian, Spanish, and Hindi, preparing the movie for worldwide distribution. Regarding the film’s marketing approach, Malik states, “I’m more concerned with a thoughtful release strategy that optimizes its influence, rather than a hasty sale.

Distinctive from most spiritual documentaries, “Mahamantra” tackles current global issues head-on, such as ecological devastation, tech overload, and societal division. It proposes an intriguing idea: that age-old wisdom could potentially provide unforeseen resolutions to these contemporary challenges we face.

Malik expresses that he doesn’t just want the viewers to observe ‘Mahamantra,'” he wants them to experience it. “His aim is for them to depart from the cinema with a strong feeling of self-reflection, a more profound insight into the complexities of their inner selves.

The screening of the movie “Mahamantra” at Berlin’s European Film Market signifies a major milestone on its path to resonate with global viewers. Offering a unique mix of philosophical insight, artistic ingenuity, and poignant social critique, “Mahamantra” serves as both a timely alarm bell and a promising solution for a world grappling with crisis.

Bollywood Hitmaker Girish Malik Charts New Course With Ambitious Slate

As a film enthusiast, I’m really pouring my heart into growing my production company, Clapstem Prods., by adding some big-name projects to our list. Based in Mumbai, with branches in Delhi and Goa, Clapstem has been making waves in the Indian entertainment industry since its debut in 1996.

Malik, who started out acting on TV and later moved to directing, has stealthily amassed a significant body of work, including more than 1,000 hours of TV shows, three feature films, and around 50 commercials.

The lineup of projects being developed by the company demonstrates Malik’s passion for telling varied narratives. Among the productions currently underway are “Punsari,” a story based on India’s youngest village leader; “From Darkness to Glory,” which follows the transformation of a village; and “Monty Master,” a grim tale about a musician’s descent. Additionally, the company is delving into streaming with “Vishesh,” a series centered around paranormal events in Banaras, and “Masakali,” a love story set in 19th century Lucknow.

Clapstem’s TV segment consistently churns out content spanning various categories, boasting hit titles like “Rishtey Love Stories,” the military-themed “Mission Fateh,” and the eerie “Haunted Hai.

By serving multiple roles as writer, director, and producer, Malik has strategically established Clapstem as a globally ambitious content production house, all the while keeping its narrative firmly grounded in uniquely Indian storytelling.

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2025-02-14 19:47