Sarvam Shakthi Mayam - Faith, Why Not

Sarvam Shakthi Mayam

2023, Hindi Series

Director - Pradeep Maddali

Stars - Priya Mani, Sanjay Suri, Samir Soni, Ashlesha Thakur, Subbaraju, and Abhay Simha Reddy

Mohan's Measure ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The traditions of Sāktam, the worship of the Sacred Feminine, can be traced back some 25,000 years, but they probably go back thousands of years further.  The Tamils tell of 64 Shakthi Peeṭas, places where the Power and Profundity of the Goddess can be directly experienced. Those outside this culture have shortened the list to 18, and these are the subject of this fascinating Travelog to some of the most beautiful locations in South Asia.  

They are seen largely through the eyes of an atheist. Samir Soni provides true depth to Ranjith, a famous author who is visiting the 18 Goddess temples to find material for his next book "Why Faith?" In due course we get to know this man, who is less about disbelief than about curiosity. What he learns will soon be his only strength. 

Strength is not what he gains from his traveling companions.  Mr. and Mrs. Suri are a dysfunctional couple of breaking up, with a daughter who wants them to, and a son who doesn't seem to care. While there is wisdom to be gained in winessing their desperation to restore their riches, the chemistry between them just doesn't hit home. While their meeting with the spiritually enlightened raises some fascinating ideas, they all fail to succumb to them. Instead, their journey ends in a predictable feel-good way that is the trademark of family film. 

I am indeed surprised by how little the director puts in to what could a far deeper conversation about the nature of life and struggle.  But, perhaps he actually wanted to lessen this parallel story for the writer's tale.

But whatever it may be, the overall plot and fantastic cinematography make Sarvam Shakthi Mayam an incredible binge watch, if only to see how in Sanathana Dharma, God is within.