Watch The Beatles and India

The Beatles and India is a fascinating new documentary film that explores the deep and transformative relationship between the legendary British rock band, The Beatles, and the ancient culture of India. Directed by Paul Saltzman and starring a range of iconic figures spanning music, art, and Eastern spirituality, the film takes us on a journey through the late 1960s, when The Beatles were at their creative zenith and seeking new sources of inspiration.

At the heart of the film is the story of The Beatles' stay in Rishikesh, India in 1968, where they spent several months at the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the renowned spiritual teacher and founder of the Transcendental Meditation movement. Through rare archival footage, interviews, and expert insights, we gain a deeper understanding of how this period of intense introspection and experimentation shaped the band's music and worldview.

One of the film's key figures is Magic Alex, the eccentric artist and inventor who played a pivotal role in The Beatles' trip to India. Alex, who was a close friend of George Harrison, famously made the journey with the band and helped to design and build the custom-built meditation domes where they practiced their daily yoga and meditation routines. In the film, we hear from Alex himself, as well as from friends and colleagues who share their memories of his unique personality and creative genius.

Another important voice in the film is Shankara Angadi, the spiritual leader who was instrumental in introducing Maharishi Mahesh Yogi to Western audiences. Through his reflections on the teachings and practices of the Maharishi, we gain a deeper appreciation of the spiritual dimensions of The Beatles' quest for meaning and truth during this pivotal time.

But The Beatles and India is not just a film about music and spirituality. It also offers a fascinating glimpse into the broader social and cultural context of the late 1960s, and the global tensions that were shaping the world. Through interviews with figures such as Jane Asher, the actress and former girlfriend of Paul McCartney, we see how the countercultural movements of the time were intersecting with the civil rights struggles, the anti-war protests, and the emerging feminist and environmental movements.

Overall, The Beatles and India is a powerful and insightful documentary that sheds new light on one of the most culturally significant periods in modern history. Through its rich tapestry of interviews, music, and archival footage, the film offers a multi-layered exploration of the profound impact that this moment in time had on the lives and careers of The Beatles, and on the broader cultural landscape of the 20th century. For anyone with an interest in music, spirituality, or social history, this is an unmissable film.

The Beatles and India is a 2021 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.