'The Answer' to release on August 31

Victor Banerjee-starrer "The Answer", which traces the life of yoga guru Paramhansa Yogananda's late American devotee James Donald Walters -- popularly known as Swami Kriyananda -- will release on August 31.

Based on the true story of Swami Kriyananda's experience with spiritual leader Paramhansa Yogananda in California, the film is directed by Pawan Kaul and distributed by Panorama Studios, led by noted producer Kumar Mangat.

The Gorakhpur-born Yogananda moved to the US in 1920 and lived there until his death in 1952 preaching Kriya Yoga and meditation to tens of thousands of Americans. His "Autobiography of a Yogi" is considered a spiritual classic since it came out in 1946.

In the film, Victor essays Yogananda, and his performance in the movie has won him praise at international film festivals where it has already been screened.

The actor said in a statement: "'The Answer' was made by an incredibly tolerant, dedicated and disciplined director Pawan Kaul, whose talent are visible in every frame. Kaveeta Oberoi Kaul our producer, also bit the bullet when the cards seemed stacked against her and both these individuals displayed amazing grit and understanding throughout a very demanding film schedule.

"Finally, the undercurrent of solidarity and hands-on support we received from the charming and peaceful members of the Ananda community in Sierra Nevada, is what saw this project through. This is my only review of the film because what remains as your personal and private experience after you watch 'The Answer' is that the only two forces that can ever steer this world forward to harmony and peace, are love and compassion".

The director said when he had first heard about the story, he knew instantly that it was made for a "great film".

"It was a story that deserved to be told, especially for the purity of it," Kaul said.

The film has been backed by Pia Singh of DLF.

--IANS

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