Watch Raga

Raga is a documentary film that explores the life and music of the legendary Indian classical musician, Ravi Shankar. The film takes the viewers on a mesmerizing journey through the maestro's life, his music, and his legacy. At the core of the movie is Shankar's mesmerizing music, which is showcased through vibrant concert footage, personal recordings, and interviews with the musician himself. The documentary provides an intimate insight into his creative process, which involved blending the traditional classical Indian music with contemporary sounds.

The film is structured chronologically, starting from Shankar's childhood in Benares, where he began his training under his elder brother Uday Shankar, a renowned Indian classical dancer. The movie traces Shankar's journey to becoming a master of the sitar, a long-necked stringed instrument used in Indian classical music. It then shifts focus to Shankar's introduction to the western world, where he became friends with musicians like George Harrison of the Beatles and introduced Indian classical music to a global audience.

Through a series of interviews with Shankar's friends, family, and collaborators, the documentary sheds light on his impact on the music world. Harrison reveals how Shankar influenced the Beatles' music and inspired songs like Norwegian Wood and Within You Without You. Other musicians like Philip Glass and Zakir Hussain talk about Shankar's collaborations with them and how he inspired them to explore new sounds and techniques.

The documentary also explores Shankar's personal life, including his marriages and his relationship with his daughter Anoushka, who is now a celebrated sitar player herself. The interviews with Shankar's family members lend a touching emotional resonance to the film.

One of the most striking features of the documentary is the stunning visuals. The film showcases India's rich cultural heritage through its colorful visuals, capturing the essence of the country's diverse landscapes and traditions. The concert footage is shot with great attention to detail, bringing out the vibrancy and complexity of Shankar's music.

The movie is expertly narrated by Shankar himself, who provides his own commentary on the events of his life. His voice is calm, measured, and deeply reflective, offering a personal touch to the film. The narration is complemented by a beautiful soundtrack, highlighting the nuances and complexities of Shankar's music.

In conclusion, Raga is a moving tribute to one of the greatest musicians of our times. The documentary expertly captures the essence of Shankar's music and his impact on the world of music. Through its stunning visuals, moving interviews, and personal narration, the film is a testament to Shankar's genius and his enduring legacy. Anyone who loves music or is interested in cultural history should watch this beautiful film.