Director: Orlando von Einsiedel

Stars: PK Mahanandia, Lotta von Schedvin, Chirag Lobo, Mina Dale

Like its central figure, viewers may have to make a leap of faith with this semi-dramatized documentary about love and destiny from grandly named director Orlando von Einsiedel. Using to-camera testimony from those involved, and dramatized material with actors playing younger versions of the dual narrators, the film charts the story of Indian street artist PK Mahanandia and Swedish traveller Lotta von Schedvin. In 1977 while travelling around India, Lotta (played in flashbacks by Mina Dale) meets lower caste charismatic street artist PK (Chirag Lobo). Feeling a strong attraction, they spend a few days together with Lotta even making the three-day trip to PK’s home village. When she leaves, PK decides to make the 6,000-mile journey from Delhi to Sweden to see her by bicycle via Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkey, and Europe. His journey is often perilous, but his spirits are bolstered by the various kind souls he encounters along the way.

The picture favours a broad, golden-hued travelogue feel and romantic sweep while eschewing knottier aspects of the story, such as PK’s refusal to abandon his journey when Lotta, possibly a little freaked out by his plan, urges him not to come, as well as the practicalities of PK’s trip. The narrators and the young actors who play them are engaging though and the picture’s message of international unity is inspiring.

David Willoughby

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