Review : Secrets of Love : The making of the Godman, Osho!

Who knew that a child named #ChandraMohanJain will be talk of the world when he grows up. Yes Chandra Mohan Jain became Rajneesh and later acquired status of Bhagwan Rajneesh, commonly referred to as #Osho. His philosophical teachings became very popular and a lot of devotees, including foreign nationals became his disciples. His idea of free sex was hailed by many but the prudent society objected to his presence in the society. He migrated to, Oregon, USA where he started an ashram which was highly popular. His disciples had gifted him 44 #RollsRoyce luxury cars and Osho was considered one of the most rich persons. But US authorities jailed him on charges of sexual exploitation and use of drugs in his ashram and ultimately deported him from the US. Later he tried settling in 21 other western countries but those governments refused permissions. He returned to India and opened an Osho ashram in Koregaon Park in Pune. Incidentally a lot of famous people, including Bollywood film stars, were his followers. Director Ritesh S Kumar has come up with a film ‘#SecretsofLove’ which undertakes the journey of making of the Godman, Osho.

Secrets of Love starts with arrest of Acharya Rajneesh aka Osho in the United States of America. As they cannot find any evidence against him, he is deported on immigration grounds. While in jail he reminisces about his life which forms the narration of the film. The film covers the journey of a child Chandra Mohan Jain to his younger days till his death. Right from the childhood he has some mystical powers and he spends a lot of time with sadhus and in graveyard. In fact his girlfriend is astonished with his choice of romantic gateways in the graveyard. He grows up with his grandparents who love him no end. His father is strict and compels him to go to school. Since he is a curious child he has a lot of questions about life and his inquisitiveness disturbs authorities. But when he grows up he returns to the same institution as a professor. Those were the days where even talking to opposite sex was difficult but he allows boys and girls to mingle to the other professors’ liking. Ultimately when he becomes a spiritual guru he teaches people to always side the truth, however harsh it maybe.

Acharya Rajneesh aka Osho’s life has been discussed a lot by people, maybe out of curiosity. His message of free love and idea of ‘Sambhog Se Samadhi Tak’ did not go well with the puritans, hence he was an outcast. About his childhood and younger days, little information was available and ‘Secrets of Love’ satiates that query. But a lot of time is spent on childhood narration, almost an hour, which should have been avoided. The philosophical teachings of Osho do come out well. Production values are poor hence, the film lacks in presentation. Music is good and the song Aadaab Mohabbat Ka is well composed and nicely picturised. Cinematography is very good. Best part of the film is that given the subject at hand, it never indulges in titillation. Ravi Kishan as a grown up Osho is impressive. His get up, costumes etc is to the point. His restrained performance helps the film’s narrative. Ritesh S Kumar as a young Osho is impressive and his mannerisms are perfect. Rest of the cast is okay.

Secrets of Love showcases the finer aspects of Acharya Rajneesh’s life and Osho fans will like the film.

***