Reviews on Premier of On A Quest

Speechless! Spellbound! Touched! Uplifted! Overwhelming! Inexplicable was the experience of watching ‘On a Quest’, the docu-drama produced by Chinmaya Creations on the life and mission of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda. The two hour docu-drama directed by noted DirectorR S Prasanna very succinctly brings to life the journey of the young atheist Balakrishna Menon as he transforms from being a fiery revolutionary, sceptical academician, questioning journalist into a seeker with an ardent Quest for the Truth finally becoming a visionary Master carrying the message of the Rishis to the masses across the world. The entire project was led by Swami Mitrananda, Chinmaya Mission Chennai and director of All India Chinmaya Yuva Kendra who is well known for ably carrying out

The movie premier was held at Sathyam Cinema on the morning of 15th December 2014 in the presence of Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayanandaji, Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, senior swamins, young and old devotees from across India and from abroad, the main actors and the technicsl team behind the movie. The program began with a brief introduction by Swami Mitrananda.

After the movie screening the actors, donors and the team behind the making of the movie was felicitated by Guruji by who presented each one with a memento. Choked beyond words Guruji barely managed to mouth that he was speechless. He especially appreciated the work of Swami Mitrananda who led the project from start to finish including the writing of the script.

The movie was very well received. Not an eye was left dry by the end. Here are a few of the heartwarming comments received –

An eye wetting experience as we journeyed through Gurudev’s Quest brought alive by the devotees.

~ Swami Swaroopananda

It is a brilliant movie, excellently conceived, throughly brought out, with actors mostly resembling the original real life characters. It captured the hearts of the viewers and turned them emotional and devotional. Congratulations to one and all. Swami Mitranandaji’s efforts are specially very laudable. In the end I would only say – “HE DID IT… AGAIN”. Jai Gurudev.

~Swami Chidrupananda

‘I was overwhelmed. The movie was emotionally-moving and intellectually appealing. Its true to its name – On a Quest. It can begin a person’s quest, answer a seeker’s quest and will help many to understand Pujya Gurudev’s Quest. HIS journey from an atheist to an Advaitin and is depicted in a very powerful and transformational way. My Salutations to You Swamiji for such an amazing and unbelievable movie in such a short span of time.’ ~ Swami Swatmananda

Thank you very much for filling our hearts with joy and the emotions of travelling with Gurudev’s life. ~ Br Kushal Chaitanya ‘You are blessed. You have given as an incredible and priceless gift from Pujya Gurudev. Narender called me immediately after the screening of the film. He said the audience was left speechless! He described his experience – continuously tears of gratitude to Pujya Gurudev were streaming down his face. It has brought Him back in life to many. How His life was lived and what He, our Pujya Gurudev has given us – a pouring of His Heart of Knowledge lived, which you have so wonderfully projected on screen to transform many. Thank you dear Pujya Swamiji.’ ~ Kshama Metre, National Director CORD This was one of the most heartening experiences. And we are very glad the movie has turned out at well as it did and our best regards and compliments to the actors who have all dedicated themselves to this project and also to the director and of course to Swami Mitrananda who has made it all possible. ~ Pranji Lodhia, CMW Director I was truly and thoroughly impressed by the movie. It is very well done. The message is very clear. Considering the fact that we had a limited budget and new actors, it is very well done. It can’t be done any better than this. Of course we can always improve on what we did, but this is as good as it comes.

~ Shri Apparao, CMW Director

It was a moving experience – ON A QUEST.

~ Geeta menon, Director of Chinmaya Academy of Management

The film was stupendous. Thank you. Gurudev is pleased and smiling.

~ Parvathy Raman, Editor Tapovan Prasad

An overwhelming, inexplicable experience. The movie is still playing on my mind. It feels like I was again with Gurudev in person today. Extremely grateful to Swami Mitranandaji for this movie and this fulfilling experience.

~ Rukma Naik Sadekar, Editor Chinmaya Udghosh

Beyond words such was the experience seeing ON A QUEST. Our pranams and heartiest congratulations to our Swami Mitrananda.

~ Jaya Melwani, Jakarta

Hari Om! Swamiji, thank you for making us delve into such emotional depths! No words would be enough so won’t say much… Loved the one liners – will contemplate on them.

~ Nirmal Bharwani, Singapore

Thank you Swamiji….for making us part of thy gift to Him. Very grateful to thee!

~ Charmy Shah, Yuvaveer

So beautiful and touching! Cried the whole way through. Kudos! To the whole team and our beloved Swami Mitrananda.

~ Harsha, Chennai

The documentary was very well done and quite impressive. I am sure Pujya Gurudev will be happy in heaven. Hearty congratulations.

~ CMK Reddy

We are so proud to be part of today’s special screening. What a well-made movie, carefully planned and beautifully executed! The team must have been truly inspired to be able to create this end result. Once again congratulations on this most prayerful achievement.

~ Lakshmi, Jakarta

The movie has been made from the heart and that’s why the joy is palpable in every second of it.

~ Madan Mohan

‘A wonderful emotional journey through the life of our Guru.’

~ Lolita Lodhia

It was an extraordinary experience and it brought back a lot of old memories of being with Gurudev and what a fantastic thing all around – the sound, the acting was all great.

~ Gulu Jagtiani, USA

‘Many thanks for all the love and affection showered on me. Truly from my heart. The effort of Swamiji and his Young Team deserves a great applause! I sincerely feel that it was my destiny to play the role of Swami Sivananda Maharaj and you were instrumental in making it happen. All the applause or praise I have received today, I offer unto HIM!’

~ Rajeev

That moment when you see the team’s effort bloom into an awesome beautiful flower! Movie was too good. It moved everyone into tears. Hats off to the team and humble pranams and gratitude to The Man who conceptualized It.

~ Akash Nair, Yuvaveer

Thank you for giving me an opportunity to be a part of this journey. It is such a great blessing to be able to take part in this venture. Thank you again Swamiji.

~ Archana Kini, Chyk Chennai

Hats off to the creators of ‘On a Quest’. Heartfelt gratitude and salutations to everyone who’s been part of it for bringing out what’s difficult to show- in the best possible way!

~ Radha

It’s really a very heart moving moment. Thank you Swamiji.

~ Bhargavi, Chyk Chennai

The movie is just amazing, and it was my pleasure to be a part of the proceedings of the past couple of days, I will cherish this forever.

~ Simren

I am feeling blessed. I have not come out from the film. Really feeling blessed to have watched the preview. So many changes within me… can’t believe. A wonderful experience. Thank u Swamiji. This much happiness and changes is all because of you. Eagerly waiting for the release in January. My son Sivaram’s first film in a theatre… ‘On a Quest. Blessed! Blessed! Blessed! Blessed! Blessed! Blessed! Blessed! Blessed! Hurray!

~ Indumathi

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