Museum of Science, Boston

Press Release [Return to listing page]

May 01, 2009

BOSTON—The Academy Award-winning film Slumdog Millionaire brought Indian culture to millions of people in theaters across America, but there is still much more to be discovered about this diverse and beautiful country. India covers 1.2 million square miles with a landscape that features almost every habitat one could imagine. Starting May 22, visitors to the Museum of Science's Mugar Omni Theater can explore these wonders and travel across India with the New England premiere of the giant-screen film, Mystic India.

Narrated by eight-time Academy Award-nominee Peter O'Toole, Mystic India tells the extraordinary true story of an eleven-year-old boy named Neelkanth who left his village in 1792 on an odyssey through the Himalayas, along the ocean's coast, and into the jungles of Assam. His seven-year journey of awakening carried him across the length and breadth of his country without a map, food, or shoes, but his determination was enough to navigate a mysteriously elegant land. His adventure introduces the audience to the diversity of India; with 22 languages and more than 850 dialects, the rich fabric of this country is revealed in Neelkanth's encounters with the priests, villagers, and friends he meets along the way. The boy's 8000-mile walk is peppered with vibrant characters that underscore India's energy and beauty.

The film also includes phenomenal glimpses of rituals and nature's glory. Neelkanth's journey takes him to the Harki Pedhi Arti (The Ceremony of Lamps) on the banks of the sacred Haridwar River, and his path through the soaring Himalayas takes him to the Badrinath Temple, which is perched 11,300 feet above sea level. He continues through the peaks and valleys of the mountains, and the epic celebration of Rath Yatra (Festival of Chariots) greets him in the rainforest. Audiences will be stunned by the vivacity and boldness of Indian life as it is depicted in the film, and each colorful adventure seems to leap from the screen in this large-format presentation.

Mystic India is a valuable film for all audiences. History lovers will be swept away by the details and depictions of 18th century life, and the filmmakers' meticulous attention to detail unveils an insightful look into Hindi culture, traditions, and celebrations. The film is also an inspiring tale for viewers both young and old, for Neelkanth's determination and bravery are moving testaments of the human spirit. Adventure stirs every frame of the film as Neelkanth faces down a man-eating lion, battles the elements of nature, and forges through life's challenges to find spiritual fulfillment.

BAPS Charities, a global organization serving families and communities with relief and development, produced the project in 2004, and the film is distributed by Giant Screen Films. Mystic India was filmed in over 100 different locations throughout India, and it includes incredible shots taken from 13,000 feet above the countryside. These soaring perspectives are captured in vivid colors that soar across the 180-degree domed screen. Director Keith Melton's innovative creativity and daring are evident in every frame of this elegantly colorful film. The sounds, songs, and voices of India also reach out to audiences from the epic surround sound system in the Mugar Omni Theater.

Mystic India will show at the Museum of Science May 22, through November 29, 2009. The 76-foot dome screen at the Mugar Omni Theater is five-stories high and fully immerses the audience in the magic and wonder of the film. These giant-screen presentations are sponsored locally by Premier Partner The MathWorks.

Admission to the Mugar Omni Theater is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors (60+) and $7 for children (3-11). Evening Omni Discounts are available daily, after 6 p.m.: $6.50 for adults, $5.50 for seniors, and $4.50 for children. For more information or to purchase tickets in advance, please call 617/723-2500, (TTY) 617-589-0417, or visit mos.org