Shail Derashri “BAM BAM!” The chant that electrifies the air at the Maha Kumbh Mela, where millions gather from around the world, including many wealthy, famous Westerners, is the same chant now reverberating in my living room. Well, not for the same reason, but quite similarly. While I was working to fulfill my desire to be at the Kumbh, the largest human gathering on the planet, experiencing this rare celestial event that happens only once every 144 years at the shores of the Triveni Sangam, over the weekend I have a chance encounter with the most unexpected form of divinity. I got the chance to watch a cross-cultural English film, thanks to a private link from the filmmaker, and the film offers something truly powerful for all the spiritual seekers, especially in the West. I thought it was the perfect film for this season.
Chiquita is the film’s name. It’s not often that an independent, cross-cultural film has the power to not only engage you but also capture your imagination. Writer-director Trivikram Gajulapalli delivers a captivating movie that chants “BAM! BAM!” in honor of Shiva’s Shakti – the divine feminine.
The movie opens with a Westerner meditating in a mystical landscape, accompanied by a beautiful Sanskrit sloka. The high point of the film comes when Charles (the lead),a retired, divorced biker, crashes into a valley. WHAM! The crash triggers a reset in his life, and that night, he encounters a mysterious little girl. What unfolds next sets Charles on an unexpected and transformative journey of self-discovery. What could be so powerful that it shifts his perspective on life forever, opening him to a new dimension of understanding?
It’s a film with a simple narrative, yet crafted with twists, subtle clues, and rich layers of Western individualism, Eastern spirituality, philosophical depth, and generational maturity. The result is a visually striking independent film, featuring vivid graphics that seamlessly blend gritty reality with vibrant metaphysical imagery. The nuanced storytelling transforms even the simplest moments into profound experiences. It’s not just emotionally engaging as the viewer immerses themselves in Charles’ life-altering encounter; it also invites reflection on love, loss, and the infinite mysteries of existence.
Jody Dean, the actor who played Charles, carries the character exceptionally well, as does his next-door neighbor, the young Freya, along with his family. Their conversations are deep and layered. The music is fresh and elevates every scene. While many spiritual films tend to lean on bolder tones, Chiquita handles the revelation of the divine mother with elegance, leaving much to the imagination while delivering an emotional punch that lingers long after the credits roll. Like a lone rider on an open road, this film defies conventions and invites viewers to explore the uncharted territories of the soul.
The song during the end credits is a complete showstopper, both musically and visually. It wraps up the film on a high note, leaving a lasting impression.
The Verdict:
Director Trivikram Gajulapalli through Veena Vedika has crafted something truly special here. This is not just another cross-cultural film focused on simple cultural shock elements. The director demonstrates that there is immense potential in this genre. Don’t miss it on OTTs. It’s slated for March release.
About the Author:
Shail Derashri
Chemical Engineer and MBA by Qualification | AEE’s First Woman CEM of Bharat | Internationally Recognized and Awarded Energy Auditor | Root Cause Analysis Expert | Student of Knowledge, Values, Stories and Learnings of Dharma
