Watch Adi Shankaracharya

Adi Shankaracharya is a 1983 Indian biographical film. The film is directed by G. V. Iyer and produced by T. Subbarami Reddy. It stars Sarvadaman Banerjee as Shankaracharya, Manjunath Bhatt as Mandanamisra, M.V. Narayana Rao as Mandana Mishra, and several other prominent actors in important roles. The film is a biographical account of the life and teachings of the 8th-century philosopher and theologian, Adi Shankaracharya.

The movie explores the life story of Adi Shankaracharya, from his birth to his death. The movie starts with the birth of Shankara in Kerala to a Nambudiri Brahmin family. From a very young age, Shankara showed a deep interest in the Vedic scriptures and his desire to study them grew as he grew older. He left his home at a tender age of 8 to pursue his studies in Varanasi, which was renowned for its distinguished scholars and the great Vedanta tradition.

The movie then moves to showcase his scholarly abilities and his teachings. Shankaracharya became famous as a philosopher and theologian, and he wrote several commentaries on the principal Upanishads, Brahma Sutra and the Bhagavad Gita, which are still widely read today. He is also famous for founding four monasteries or Mathas in the four corners of India, which became the centers for the propagation of Advaita Vedanta.

However, the plot of the movie thickens when Shankaracharya challenges the beliefs and practices of other prominent Hindu sects, which led to clashes with heads of other philosophies such as Madana Mishra who he later defeats in a debate. Even though he achieved fame as a brilliant philosopher, he never lost his spiritual roots and devotion.

The movie portrays Shankaracharya's achievements, but it also highlights his personal struggles. He suffered from an incurable disease and died young, at the age of 32. The film explores the inner turmoil that Shankaracharya experienced during his illness and how he prepared himself for death. The movie also showcases his belief in the cyclical nature of existence and his ultimate goal of attaining ultimate liberation, which he believed could only be achieved through a disciplined life.

Throughout the movie, the audiences learn about Shankaracharya's philosophy and his devotion to knowledge and the ultimate truth. The film also conveys how Shankara's teachings remain highly influential in contemporary times and continue to inspire spiritual seekers and thinkers, not just in India, but all over the world.

The film's stunning visuals, the captivating storyline, and the soulful music complement each other, making it a visual treat for the audiences. The film's pacing is well-balanced, and it manages to convey the essence of Shankara's philosophy while keeping the audience engaged.

In conclusion, Adi Shankaracharya is an inspiring biographical film that portrays the journey of a brilliant philosopher and theologian who had a tremendous impact on Indian culture and philosophy. The film is a must-watch for people who are interested in spirituality, philosophy, and Indian culture. It showcases a time when Indian culture and knowledge were at their pinnacle, and it will inspire the viewers to seek knowledge just like the great philosopher.