Bikram: Yogi Guru, Predator

Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator is an unflinching and evocative documentary from 2019 that delves deep to explore a subject steeped in both adulation and controversy – the enigmatic Bikram Choudhury. The 86-minute feature-length documentary, directed by the talented Eva Orner, tells the true story of the rise and fall of Bikram Choudhury, the founder of the popular Bikram Yoga.

This film presents a balanced perspective by intertwining stories of his rise to fame with allegations of sexual exploitation, assault, and misconduct. Featuring interviews from multiple sources such as Larissa Anderson, Francesca Asumah, and Sarah Baughn, the documentary feels authentic and impactful.

Bikram Yoga, a rigorous exercise routine performed in a hot room, was a 26-posture sequence beloved by millions worldwide and made popular by its creator Bikram Choudhury. Choudhury's fame soared as he turned yoga into a billion-dollar industry, setting up yoga studios around the globe and nurturing high-profile clientele from various industries, including entertainment, sports, and politics. However, the veneer of the charming guru slowly fades as the documentary dives deeper, revealing a dark side of the man many followed religiously.

Orner crafts a gritty account of the darker aspects of Choudhury's empire with precision and sensitivity. She illustrates how his fame and influence allowed Choudhury to exploit his followers with impunity, using his charismatic persona to shield his actions from scrutiny. Shrouded in mystery and menacing scandals, Choudhury's character is portrayed with candid honesty through interviews with several of his followers, victims, and the wider yoga community.

The power of the documentary lies in the firsthand accounts by these sources, many who were once his devotees. Brave individuals who suffered abuse at the hands of Choudhury, challenged the status quo, and pushed back against the highly venerated guru despite strong backlash. The film's genuine exploration of victims' experiences does not exploit their suffering but instead respectfully updates their ongoing battle against a system that often protects the abusers in positions of power.

Despite the discomforting subject matter, the film's tone remains controlled and poised as it brings forth a harrowing tale of deception and betrayal. It showcases the lesser-known side of a world entranced by a charismatic yoga exponent and tackles the complex dynamics of power manipulation, unsuspecting legions of followers, and charismatic leaders with a dark side.

This documentary also sheds light on the fleeting nature of fame and the implications of unchecked power. Choudhury was once a larger-than-life persona loved and adored by his followers worldwide. As the film progresses, the layers are peeled back, revealing a story of manipulation and deceit hidden beneath the facade of a successful guru.

The manner in which Orner depicts Choudhury's downfall cleverly frames the film, flowing smoothly between various timelines and extracting quality content from real-life events, interviews, and archival footage. The eccentricity of Bikram Choudhury's ascension to fame serves as an engaging backdrop for the indiscretions that follow.

To cinematically illustrate this controversial figure, the film employs vivid visuals and captivating aesthetics that add depth to the narration. The use of a sleek color palette aids in creating a poignant atmosphere that mirrors the central themes and darkness of the core story.

Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator is not just a snapshot of an influential figure's downfall, it is a complex examination of a toxic culture that allows abuse to perpetuate under celebrity influence. The story that unravels is a sobering reminder of the stark truth hidden behind headlights, the silent sufferings of victims, and the courage needed to rip away the veil of deceit.

Overall, while the film might be a hard pill to swallow for some, it remains a poignant, thought-provoking account that sheds light on a scandal concealed within the yoga world. It's a compelling and essential watch for yoga enthusiasts, individuals interested in understanding power dynamics in spiritual organizations or anyone seeking an engaging true crime documentary.