Mumbai, India – February10 : Sagar Pictures Entertainment, deeply rooted in the storytelling tradition of Ramanand Sagar, in collaboration with the Manav Ekta Mission, proudly unveiled the Mumbai premiere of the acclaimed documentary ‘Walking With M’ at the prestigious Royal Opera House. Directed by the versatile filmmaker Akash Sagar Chopra, the documentary received a warm reception from a packed audience, culminating in a remarkable 7-minute standing ovation.
Seven years in the making, ‘Walking With M’ is a cinematic masterpiece crafted from over 1800 hours of archival footage, skillfully helmed by visionary director Akash Sagar Chopra. With a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes, the documentary delves into the extraordinary journey of Padmabhushan Awardee and Best-Selling Author, Sri M, as he embarked on a monumental 7,500-kilometer odyssey across India, spanning 11 states from Kanyakumari to Kashmir.
At the heart of ‘Walking With M’ lies the ancient Indian ideology encapsulated in the Rig Veda – ‘Sang Gachattavam’, translating to ‘may we walk together’. This concept gave rise to The Walk of Hope 2015-2016, recognized as the longest peace march in India’s history. Led by Sri M and Mumtaz Ali, an Indian spiritual luminary and advocate for peace, The Walk of Hope aimed to bridge the divides across India, symbolizing unity amidst diversity.
Reflecting on the premiere, Sri M remarked, “Despite our differences, at our core, we are all human beings and inherently connected. This timeless wisdom, rooted in our ancient Indian culture, formed the essence of the ‘Walk of Hope’ padyatra.” The documentary encapsulates the indomitable spirit of humanity, narrating one man’s extraordinary endeavor to ignite hope and peace in a turbulent world.
The Walk of Hope captivated millions in India and abroad during its transformative 16-month journey in 2015-16, garnering recognition from state chief ministers and the Honorable Prime Minister. Sri M shared, “Covering over 7,500 km, we traversed diverse landscapes and communities, discovering the true essence of Bharat – a nation united at its core.”
Director Akash Sagar Chopra emphasized, “‘Walking With M’ embodies the resilience of the human spirit amidst adversity. In a world marred by discord, Sri M’s walk of hope offers a unique perspective on unity. Through this documentary, viewers embark on a transformative journey, experiencing the diverse tapestry of India.”
With a full house audience of over 600 attendees, the premiere culminated in a standing ovation, affirming the documentary’s impact. Sagar Pictures Entertainment announced that all proceeds from the film will support the Manav Ekta Mission.
‘Walking With M’ has earned international acclaim, screening across 8 European countries and receiving accolades such as Best Documentary at Film Fest International (Berlin FFI) 2023 and the Global Peace Award at The International Film Festival The Hague. The documentary’s success continues with nominations at prestigious film festivals worldwide.
Scheduled for multiple screenings across Indian cities and educational institutions, ‘Walking With M’ is poised for a global release, furthering its mission of unity and peace.
About Akash Sagar Chopra:
Akash Sagar Chopra is a stalwart in the Indian Film and Broadcast Industry, renowned for his multifaceted contributions as an artist, filmmaker, and media executive. As CEO of Sagar Pictures Entertainment’s Non-Fiction Wing, his passion for documentary storytelling drives the company’s vision for original content.
About Sagar Pictures Entertainment:
Sagar Pictures Entertainment, emerging from the legacy of Ramanand Sagar and Chairman Moti Sagar, is a pioneering force in Indian Motion Pictures and Television. With a legacy spanning over two decades, Sagar Pictures continues to set industry standards, delivering record-breaking programming and cinematic endeavors.
