Chiquita Movie Review
Films are popular for a reason and the reason is their ability to move the audience one way or other. 24 crafts together can cast a spell on you, also because audiences are watching it with a mindset to get absorbed and transported. It’s a kind of meditative mood and open mind that is required for spiritual elevation as well.
I came across a film that uses this very love for cinema as a means of spiritual awakening. I would recommend it to everyone here because I know all of you are seeking something beyond.
It’s a cross-cultural English film titled Chiquita, currently streaming on Amazon Prime (US, UK, Australia) and on Plex (Worldwide) here:
https://watch.plex.tv/movie/chiquita-2025
Links to the trailer:
- https://asianmoviepulse.com/2025/09/chiquita-by-trivikram-gajulapalli-trailer/
- https://youtu.be/ND6AQjWU1KI
A biker from rural Texas, who lost his wife to someone from a big city, one-night crashes into a valley. There, he gets drawn into a dream-like experience when a little girl appears to him in the form of a Hindu Devi. Deeply intrigued by his experience, he embarks on a journey to seek answers to his questions. He starts delving into Hindu philosophy and tries to understand what has been happening in his life. His conversation with his young neighbor about his quest and recent experience shows his genuine interest in self-discovery.
Subtly but skillfully, director Trivikram Gajulapalli has captured the essence from the lives of many lost Atma-s (souls) who are struggling with broken lives, loneliness, depression, and unanswered questions. The technical values of the film are top-notch. Be it cinematography, music, emotions, dialogues, or graphics, the attention to detail is commendable.
There are many layers in this film. For instance, the story deals with a staunch Christian son-in-law, but without disparaging him. Trivikram allows space for both perspectives, and that is what Hindu Dharma is all about.
I would not like to give away much to the prospective audience. But I cannot resist the temptation to add that Trivikram is a great narrator and a fine artist. We can expect many more beautiful creations, especially cross-cultural films, from his factory.
In the film language, I would like to rate it 4 out of 5. I strongly recommend my readers to watch Chiquita and encourage you to share what you think about it. However, I don’t want to stop at the superficial level, because there is so much depth in the film, and the next few lines are about that. I’d like to shed light on the philosophy that underpins the film, so that viewers can enjoy it at a deeper level.
Trivikram has crafted a film that subtly explores the beauty and, to use Rajiv Malhotra’s vocabulary, the open architecture of Hindu Dharma.
Sometime last week, I read a post on Twitter by David Frawley (Shri Vamadeva Shastri), the essence of which is:
“If not for Hinduism, Humanity would lose its gateway to the Universal Consciousness. There would be no Yoga, Gurus or Devatas, No Vedas, Temples or mantras. India’s music, art and festivals would cease, its great history eradicated.”
Source: https://x.com/davidfrawleyved/status/1973197792853258460
Lisa Miller, Society Editor at Newsweek, wrote in her 2009 column (August 15):
“We Are All Hindus Now.” by “We,” she meant Americans.
Source: [https://www.newindianexpress.com/opinions/2009/Aug/23/why-lisa-miller-should-look-at-vivekananda-79828.html]
Quietly, Hindu Dharma, not as a religion, is being embraced by many around the globe. Many may not formally become Hindus but live like Hindus, adopting Hindu living, vegetarianism, practicing yoga, worshipping Hindu deities, and appreciating Hindu ways of thought.
Trivikram has distilled all these subtle cultural and spiritual currents from around the world, especially the West, into a 45-minute cinematic microcosm.
Arnold Toynbee, one of the most erudite historians and reformers of 20th-century Britain, once wrote in his massive study of the world’s civilizations:
“Today, the Western scientific progress has physically united the world. It has not only got rid of the ‘space’ factor; it has also equipped the various countries of the world with deadly arms. But they have not yet learnt the art of knowing and loving one another. If we want to save humanity at this most critical juncture, the only option is the Indian approach.”
I am sure Toynbee, in his grave, must be feeling vindicated.
Udit Shah
Windsor, Canada
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