For hundreds of years the West criticized and ridiculed Eastern traditions from our clothes to our rituals and our art to our cuisines, even when they came over to colonize us for our resources. It has always had a history of an inferior perception of indigenous cultures that needed polishing or sophistication. They held this position for a long time and when they switched, they did it hard. So far into the opposite way of the spectrum that the East became a romanticized version of itself. Even today most of the cultural elements of South India are perceived through a stereotypical and fetishized lens instead of an authentic one. LA-based filmmaker Punya Chatterjee explores this twisted perception in his short film 'Chakras for Sale'.
In a story about a quest for rock stardom, Punya's short film leads us to a deep dive into cultural identity. Chakras for Sale is a wild ride through the psychedelic 60s, where four Indian-Americans, desperate for fame, decide to swap their electric guitars for sitars to ride the hippie revolution wave. It’s a bold move, to say the least.The film is a hilarious and thought-provoking exploration of cultural appropriation. While the hippie movement of the 60s was all about peace, love, and understanding, it was also a time when Western culture was obsessed with all things Eastern. From yoga to meditation, everything Indian was suddenly cool. So, what happens when a bunch of Indian-American guys decide to cash in on this trend? Chaos, of course.
"I used to live in San Francisco and was always intrigued by the way Indian cultural influenced rock and hippie culture, especially in San Francisco in the 1960s, so this film felt like a great way for me to explore topics of assimilation, cultural appropriation, and the Indian American experience."Punya Chatterjee
But Chakras for Sale is more than just a comedy about cultural appropriation: it’s a heartfelt look at the complex experience of being Indian-American. The characters are caught between two worlds, trying to fit in while holding onto their heritage. Their desperate attempt to find success by embracing a caricature of their culture is both tragic and absurd. Director Punya Chatterjee has crafted a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The music, a blend of Western rock and Indian classical, is an original soundtrack by Shamik Ganguly, Conrad Kisunza & Sid Chattopadhyay and perfectly represents the film's themes. It features an ensemble cast made up of comedians and dramatic actors and it was also the official selection at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles and the Beverly Hills Film Festival.
So, if you're looking for a film that will make you laugh, think, and maybe even dance a little, Chakras for Sale is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared to question your own assumptions about culture and identity. The short film is a reminder that while it's important to celebrate different cultures, it's equally important to do so with respect and authenticity. After all, there's a fine line between appreciation and appropriation.
Follow Punya Chatterjee here and watch the trailer of the film below.
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