"Lord of the Universe" is a 1974 documentary showcasing the young Indian Guru Prem Rawat, then known as Guru Maharaj Ji, who at age 16, intrigued and polarized the western world with his teachings of peace and love. Rennie Davis, once a central figure in the American anti-war movement, introduces the young guru in the United States in the documentary, attracted by Rawat’s message of internal peace.

An Opus Pictures production, "Lord of the Universe" predominantly captures the historic "Millennium '73" event, which was held at the Astrodome in Houston, considered the eighth wonder of the world at that time. This event was billed as the "most significant event in human history," foretelling a spiritual revolution. The film provides an in-depth account of the preparations and behind-the-scenes efforts invested in organizing the event while providing intimate glimpses into Prem Rawat's teachings and the ways in which they resonated with the American masses, particularly the youth.

One of the main characters in "Lord of the Universe" is Rennie Davis, a high-profile figure from the Chicago Seven Trial. Known for his prominent role in the Youth International Party (Yippies) and his anti-war demonstrations, Davis serves as a significant bridge between the young Guru and American society. His transition from a radical social activist to a follower of Rawat illustrates the turmoil and spiritual searching prevalent in the post-Vietnam, socially-dissenting climate of the era. Davis’ transformation also captures the power of Prem Rawat's teachings and their relevance in a world seeking peace.

Another notable personality featured in the documentary is Pat Halley, a reporter for the underground newspaper the "Fifth Estate." The film shows Halley questioning and challenging the legitimacy of Rawat's message, serving as a puncturing voice of skepticism in contrast to the wave of acceptance gathered by the Guru. This critical perspective added by Halley brings a layer of realism and authenticity to the film, portraying the mixed responses and the cultural tug-of-war resulting from the guru’s arrival and his teachings.

Responsibility for unpacking and analyzing the complex persona of Guru Maharaj Ji falls upon the documentary's unnamed narrator. Complemented by intriguing and vivid visuals, the narrator explores Prem Rawat's teachings, the allure of his personality, the reasons behind his broadening supernova of popularity, and the fervor of his followers, all the while striving to remain unbiased. The documentary doesn't promote any absolute stance; rather, it attempts to establish a balanced narrative, impartially portraying the enchantment as well as the criticism surrounding the young Guru.

"Lord of the Universe" carefully documents the historical, cultural, and societal context of the early 1970s. The film reflects the era’s change in sentiments, from the rebellious post-war period towards an inward-looking quest for peace and tranquility. The concepts of peace, love, and alignment with the self, which constitute the crux of Rawat's teachings, are presented to echo the evolving socio-cultural paradigm.

The large scope of "Lord of the Universe" caters to a diverse range of audiences. For those receptive to philosophical discussions and spiritual dialogues, the film provides a deep exploration of Rawat's teachings and their resonance in western society. For others interested in historical documentaries, the film provides a significant slice of the early 70s, from the cultural clash and transition of ideologies to the unique socio-political landscape of the time. For the simply curious, it presents the fascinating tale of a child guru, a spiritual prodigy who, despite his young age, stirred global interest.

While "Lord of the Universe" illustrates the engrossing journey of a young Indian guru, the transformative pivot of a dynamic anti-war activist, and the fervency of followers interspersed with skepticism, it is indeed an odyssey of understanding the human quest for peace and purpose, even within contentious cultural junctions. This documentary provides the audience with an immersive window into a distinctive epoch of transition, where the search for spirituality found an unprecedented interface with global youth culture.