Decoding Deepak

Decoding Deepak is a captivating documentary film from 2012. It is directed by Gotham Chopra, who is the son of the illustrious spiritual guru Deepak Chopra. The film offers an intimate and personal look at one of the most enigmatic and influential spiritual icons of our times, Deepak Chopra. The 74-minute feature shares an inimitable insider’s perspective about the man, rather than the public persona, deciphering Deepak Chopra and furnishing an unparalleled close-up to a man whose words and ideas about spirituality, wellness, and consciousness have influenced millions of people worldwide.

The striking element about Decoding Deepak is the unique perspective offered by Gotham Chopra, who holds the dual roles as director and Deepak's son. Gotham is, therefore, in a unique position to ask questions that journalists, followers, and critics may not dare to. The dynamic is intriguing and allows audiences to see a different, humanized side of Deepak Chopra that is often missed with high-profile individuals.

Through the lens of a familial relationship with years of shared history, Gotham gives audiences an intimate view of Deepak’s real persona, revealing him as a regular person with common human vulnerabilities, fears, and ambitions. Beyond the persona of being a spiritual master, audiences get to see Deepak as a loving father, author, speaker, and someone who is yourself navigating life's uncertainties while on a quest for meaning and self-realization.

Throughout the film, Gotham delves into a variety of themes that underscore the life and teachings of Deepak. It escorts viewers on an enlightening journey through the busy, jet-setting life of Deepak, whose itinerary usually involves crisscrossing continents and conducting speeches, interviews, book signings, and teachings. Even though Gotham has been living in his father’s shadow and is simultaneously grappling to comprehend the mysterious spiritual journey pursued by his father, he succeeds in depicting the grandeur and the contradictions that surround his father's life.

The film is set on the backdrop of a year-long journey across the globe, stretching from Thailand to New York type life that Deepak leads. Throughout this journey, Gotham cogently throws light onto lesser-known aspects of Deepak’s life that involve his interaction with family, his predilection for Blackberry messaging, and his role as an entrepreneur and business executive as he manages his expansive wellness empire.

Decoding Deepak doesn’t merely gawk at the spiritual icon, its goal isn’t to over glorify or criticize the spiritual master. The film takes the time to elucidate some of the philosophies that Deepak upholds and attempts to unravel the often complex and abstract ideas that he speaks about. It gives viewers a way to understand the magnetism that draws people towards Deepak and why he continues to be so popular, while delicately scrutinizing the man behind the spiritual guru. The film explores Deepak’s teachings and the principles of his spiritual philosophy, enabling audiences to feel connected or disconnected to his ideas.

Overall, Decoding Deepak offers a fascinating experience. It is about family, spirituality, personal aspirations, and everything in between. It is an invitation to journey into an iconic figure’s life while questioning the very notions that his life is built upon. With this film, Gotham successfully creates a portrait of Deepak that is part personal journey, part exposé, and part celebration of a man who has been a spiritual beacon for many. Whether you are a fan of Deepak Chopra or a casual viewer curious about the man behind the name, Decoding Deepak is a significant addition to your watchlist.

While it is a story about a famous figure, at its heart, it's about the relationship between father and son; about striving to understand someone you have known your entire life and yet continue to discover and about the pursuit of meaning and significance in life. It reminds us that even our idols are imperfect, constantly evolving individuals who are traversing through their own life's journey.