Mystic Realm

The subject of the film "Mystic Realm" is Shadhu Shongo, which literally means " the companion of the Shadhus". It is a formal ritual of a sect of Shadhus of greater Bengal. Thinker, Mystic poet, Lalon ShaiN started Shadhu Shongo almost two hundred years ago in the village of Chheuria in Kushtia, Bangladesh. His disciples, spanning multiple generations, still observe the Shadhu Shongo to reaffirm their union. The songs of Lalon ShaiN, where he expressed his thoughts, are formally performed by Shadhus in Shadhu Shongo. This is also the occasion where the Shadhus and their disciples get the chance to share their thoughts & feelings. The film "Mystic Realm" is made through participatory observation of Shadhu Shongo at the Shrine of Lalon ShaiN, for a span of twelve years. During this observation the Shadhus also became a part of the making process. The Shadhus voluntarily expressed their thoughts & practices. The performances of the songs were captured live from the Shadhu Shongo. These conversations and songs have been stitched together to make "Mystic Realm".