Watch Bikram: Yogi Guru, Predator

Bikram: Yogi Guru, Predator is a documentary film chronicling the rise and fall of Bikram Choudhury, the founder of Bikram Yoga. Directed by Eva Orner, the film primarily focuses on the sexual assault allegations against Choudhury and his subsequent downfall. The film begins by introducing the concept of Bikram Yoga and the man behind it. Through archival footage and interviews with his early students, we get a glimpse into Bikram's eccentric personality and the cult-like following he developed through his yoga teachings. The film then delves into the allegations against him, starting from the first accusation made in 2013 up to the present day.

The allegations were made by various women, all of whom were aspiring teachers or students of Bikram Yoga. The women claimed that Bikram had sexually assaulted them during classes, teacher training programs, and private meetings. Through interviews with some of the accusers and their lawyers, the film details the manipulative tactics that Bikram employed to control and exploit his female students. These included threats of deportation or yoga bans, as well as promises of career advancement and sexual favors.

The film also explores the larger cultural and societal factors that allowed Bikram to get away with his predatory behavior for so long. It shines a light on the power dynamics within the yoga community, which were heavily tipped in favor of male teachers and gurus. It also highlights the reluctance of law enforcement and regulatory bodies to investigate or take action against Bikram, despite the numerous allegations against him.

Throughout the film, there are interviews with various key players in the Bikram Yoga community - from former teachers and students to journalists and scholars. These perspectives provide context and analysis, and help to paint a more complete picture of the complex issues at play.

As the film progresses, we see Bikram's world start to unravel. The sexual assault lawsuits against him begin to pile up, and his yoga empire starts to crumble. Bikram himself becomes increasingly erratic and reclusive, refusing to face his accusers or deal with the legal consequences of his actions.

The film ends on a somewhat ambiguous note, with Bikram still at large and many of his victims still seeking justice. However, it does offer a glimmer of hope in the form of the #MeToo movement and the broader cultural shift towards holding powerful men accountable for their actions.

Overall, Bikram: Yogi Guru, Predator is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that raises important questions about power, privilege, and sexual violence. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the #MeToo movement, the yoga community, or social justice issues more broadly.

Bikram: Yogi Guru, Predator is a 2019 documentary. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 68.