Ashutosh Gowariker to create historical biopic ‘Shankar’ based on Adi Shankaracharya

Ashutosh Gowariker is planning to create a historical biopic titled Shankar which is based on the life of the Vedic scholar and guru, Adi Shankaracharya. This comes amidst the unveiling of the massive ‘Statue of Oneness’ in Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh which is 108-feet, paying tribute to the legendary scholar, philosopher and teacher.

The film was announced by Acharya Shankar Sanskritik Ekta Nyas, who called it a collaborative effort with Gowariker to bring the life and wisdom of Adi Shankaracharya to the big screen. Referring to the project, Gowariker shared his enthusiasm and said, "Adi Shankaracharya was a remarkable figure in Indian history, and his teachings continue to resonate with people around the world. I am deeply honoured to have the opportunity to illuminate his life and wisdom on the cinematic canvas in collaboration with Nyas and Ekatma Dham."

Speaking about the director, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan, said, “The time is absolutely right to explore the profound impact of Adi Shankaracharya's teachings, his intellectual prowess, and his tireless efforts to unify the diverse strands of Sanatan Dharma. And I am extremely happy that we are collaborating with the filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker for the same."

Adi Shankaracharya is considered a revolutionary in paving the way for Indian intellectual thoughts regarding the subjects of Vedic philosophy, particularly related to Advaita Vedanta where he synthesized the traditional teachings of the many sacred texts with a more pragmatic approach, instead of the standard theoretically abstract teachings of the rishis and sages of the time.