Adi Shankaracharya, a 1983 film of GV Iyer and Madhu Ambat is one of the most visually stunning movies ever shot that showcased historic Indian philosophy.

Cinematographer Madhu Ambat went on to become a giant in the Malayalam industry, and deservingly so.

The below shot shows an enlightened Shankaracharya.

The movie has some nice long shots that blend both the symmetry of the subjects as well as the color tone. It is shot entirely in real locations instead of made-up sets the advantage of which, you can easily concieve.

The movie is in the Sanskrit language. Even though dubs are available, I would prefer everyone watching it in Sanskrit itself with subtitles, which are available.

Mandana Mishra doing Sandhya, while the death sits just behind him. Symbolic of how he would have thought death was subservient to karma while he still was a Mimasaka (my guess).

Try to see it on the big screen itself if you can. Natural lighting and brilliant color tones will capture your eyes.

Ubhaya Bharati lamenting the decline of Vaidika Dharma in Bharatavarsha.

The film also lays out Advaita philosophy beautifully. However, don't depend on the film to start on Advaita. If you read up on Advaita before the film, you'll appreciate the film even more.

Lead actor Sarvadamana Banerjee played perhaps the most convincing Shankaracharya I have seen on the screen or on any stage.

Costumes are also spot on. Whoever did the art direction, has done a very good job.

The music by Balamurali Krishna is excellent as well. Various Upanishadic verses, Shankara's own compositions, all have been rendered really well.

Lastly, this is my favorite frame of all of the movie. Shankara contemplating the beauty of Himalaya as he composes a verse in the praise of Himalaya, and the Ganga sometime before his Samadhi.

Here is the link everyone. Go watch it. Do let me know if a better 720p version ever gets uploaded.

@JoeAgneya @Dauhshanti

And of course @gloomycyborg madam has seen it. But comments are welcome