Web Series Review: Aadi Shankaracharya
Cast: Arnab Khanijo, Sandeep Mohan, Gagan Malik, Suman Gupta, Yogesh Mahajan, Rajeev Ranjan, Manish Bisla
Director: Omkar Nath Mishra
Producers: Nakul Dhawan, Omkar Nath Mishra
Production Houses: The Art of Living, Sri Sri Publication Trust, ONM Multimedia
Duration: 10 episodes, each between 30-45 minutes
Release Date: November 1, 2024
Platform: Art of Living App
Rating: 3 stars
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Aadi Shankaracharya, an influential figure who unified Sanatan Dharma in 8th-century India. As curiosity grows among today’s youth about the life and impact of this legendary philosopher, the Art of Living Trust, led by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, introduces a web series, Aadi Shankaracharya, offering a unique exploration into his life and teachings. With its release scheduled for Diwali on the Art of Living app, let’s delve into the series directed by Omkar Nath Mishra to see what it offers.
In web series Aadi Shankracharya season 1 The story begins in the 8th century, portraying a time when India, under various powerful rulers, saw the rise of multiple sects, including Buddhism. However, with Ashoka’s shift to nonviolence and Buddhism, the traditional Sanatan values began to fade, resulting in social fragmentation and a surge in caste and gender-based injustices. Taking advantage of this division, foreign invaders, particularly the Arabs, launched incursions into Indian lands. The series introduces the heroic figure of Raja Dahir of Sindh, a far-sighted Hindu king who valiantly resisted these foreign threats, though he ultimately fell victim to betrayal and perished in battle.
As the series progresses, it captures the birth of a boy in Kerala in 788 AD, born to Shivguru and Aryamba through the blessings of Lord Shiva. This child would grow into a young ascetic who later became revered as Aadi Shankaracharya, a spiritual leader who revived and reestablished India’s rich cultural and religious heritage. Aadi Shankaracharya follows his life, taking viewers on a journey through ten episodes, each titled to reflect key moments in his life — from his birth in “Aagman” to his ascension as an ascetic in “Sannyas.”
The performances in this series are a highlight. Arnab Khanijo, as young Aadi Shankaracharya, impresses with his simplicity and powerful dialogue delivery, embodying the legendary figure with ease. Sandeep Mohan as Shivguru, Shankaracharya’s father, exudes gravitas, showcasing his experience and skill. Suman Gupta, portraying Aryamba, brings depth to her role, while Rajeev Ranjan as Acharya Vibhuti and Gagan Malik as Emperor Ashoka stand out with memorable performances that bring authenticity to their characters.
The show’s director, Omkar Nath Mishra, skilfully combines historical fact with subtle dramatic elements, keeping audiences engaged without deviating from the essence of Shankaracharya’s legacy. The production team has taken special care with the language, body language, and expressions, maintaining a balanced portrayal of this revered figure’s story. The costumes and makeup successfully transport viewers to the 8th century, and the attention to detail in the set design and cinematography enhances the experience, immersing viewers in the era.
Although previous works have captured Shankaracharya’s story on film, this web series takes a fresh, more in-depth approach, delivering the story of India’s cultural renaissance to modern audiences in a format that is both accessible and engaging. Aadi Shankaracharya will be available on November 1, 2024, free of charge on the Art of Living app, in multiple languages, including Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, and Bengali, making it widely accessible across India.
This series is an admirable effort to highlight an unsung hero of Indian culture, bringing the story of India’s forgotten renaissance to a new generation.