Guru: Bhagwan, His Secretary & His Bodyguard

Guru: Bhagwan, His Secretary & His Bodyguard is a fascinating and compelling 2010 full-length documentary that lays out, in a stripped-down, minimalist fashion, the fascinating voyages and emotional odysseys experienced by Hugh Milne (the Bodyguard) and Ma Anand Sheela (the Secretary), two individuals whose lives were deeply entangled with the controversial and enigmatic spiritual guru, Osho, also known as Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh.

Directed by Sabine Gisiger and Beat Häner, the film encompasses a riveting blend of interviews and archival footage to examine the core phenomena of faith, devotion, and the lure of spiritual salvation, all set against a backdrop tinged with scandal, intrigue, and disintegration. This documentary is not your standard expose but a meticulously crafted emotional journey which presents its subjects with a raw candidness that is, at once, both jarring and thought-provoking.

The narrative is structured around the deeply personal accounts of Hugh Milne and Ma Anand Sheela, who were pivotal figures in the close-knit circle surrounding Bhagwan, an Indian spiritual teacher, mystic, and cult leader who gained notoriety in the 1980s. They recount their experiences and offer unparalleled insights into Bhagwan's bewitching power and enigmatic personality. However, this tale isn't a hagiography; it's a deeply personal and visceral retrospective on the intoxicating allure of faith and the devastating fallout when that faith is shattered.

Hugh Milne, once Bhagwan's personal bodyguard, articulates his initial infatuation with Bhagwan's teachings, describing how he was drawn to the guru's charismatic persona and novel ideologies that provided him with a newfound sense of purpose and belonging. Milne's recollections of his experiences swinging between mesmerizing serenity and despairing disillusionment paint an intricate picture of his journey.

Parallelly, Ma Anand Sheela, the personal secretary of Bhagwan and a key figure in the Rajneesh movement, shares her side of the story with an unflinching honesty that provokes both empathy and fascination. Her tenacious spirit is palpable as she recounts her colorful career alongside Bhagwan and her unwavering devotion that eventually spirals into treacherous waters.

The film boldly explores the tempestuous relationship between Bhagwan, Sheela, and Milne, showcasing the tumultuous dynamics that were at play within this spiritual community. It delves into broader themes of power, deceit, devotion, and taboo, resonating with anyone intrigued by the human capacity for faith and its consequential pitfalls.

What makes Guru: Bhagwan, His Secretary & His Bodyguard truly captivating is its refusal to rush to judgements, instead exploring the intricate layers of human psychology, power dynamics, and spirituality with nuance and respect for its complex subjects. The film, while not shying away from the darker aspects of the narrative, also highlights the magnetic allure of Bhagwan and his teachings, illuminating why such an eclectic mix of individuals felt drawn to his embodying promise of salvation and eternal love.

The film's aesthetic complements its content, utilizing both vibrant and muted colors to illustrate the emotional landscape, thereby creating an immersive viewing experience. In terms of its pace, while it might seem unhurried at times, this deliberate narrative strategy encourages viewers to fully absorb the unfolding drama and truly appreciate the extraordinary lives of its key protagonists.

One of the central themes of the movie revolves around the complex and layered relationship between charismatic spiritual leaders and their devoted followers, presenting a thought-provoking interrogation of the nature of faith, power, and spiritual exploration. It offers a nuanced portrayal of the intoxicating allure of faith, striving to unravel the compulsion that drives individuals to surrender their lives to spiritual leaders, and the heart-wrenching consequences when such unwavering faith is broken or betrayed.

While Guru: Bhagwan, His Secretary & His Bodyguard does not claim to offer a definitive verdict on the life and teachings of Bhagwan, it provides a riveting, thought-provoking, and deeply unsettling exploration into the psychological depths of spiritual devotion, power, and charisma. This makes it an essential watch for not only those intrigued by the mystique surrounding Bhagwan but also those interested in the broader themes of human psychology, faith, and spirituality.