Film Review – Namaslay (2026)

      Namaslay, 2026

      Written and Directed by Rish Arhant-Sudhir, Kanish Arhant-Sudhir.

      Starring Kiru Srikanth, Angela Sant’Albano, Christina Moore, Alicia Mitchell-Mangual, Usha Krishnan.

      SYNOPSIS:

      Following her grandmother’s death, a Tamil American woman enrolls in a high-end yoga studio in LA, where she soon discovers dark forces beneath its tranquil facade.

      This entertaining debut feature from imaginative siblings Rish and Kanish Arhant-Sudhir offers a satirical commentary on the Western appropriation of yoga and South Asian spiritual traditions. The engaging and visually captivating piece of ‘masala cinema’ deftly shifts between genres including horror, family trauma, drama of relocating abroad, and deadpan humor.

      Gayatri (Kiru Srikanth) seeks new direction while mourning her grandmother Paati (Usha Krishnan). Her best friend Judy encourages her to join an elite yoga class, where she meets the head instructor, Reyna (Christina Moore), who prefers Gayatri's authentic yoga knowledge over Judy's California vibe. After some persuasion, both friends gain entry into the class and explore the studio’s overpriced merchandise and yoga kits.

      As Gayatri and Judy advance, tensions rise due to Reyna’s admiration for Gayatri's genuine understanding of yoga, rooted in teachings from her late grandmother. The fractures in their friendship become evident during an outing for newly qualified instructors, where Gayatri’s adherence to original teachings is deemed too rigid, prompting Judy to adapt it more towards a wellness-centric approach.

      Additionally, unsettling hints of misconduct emerge early in the film alongside the satire. Reyna's late partner died from an overdose soon after completing his authoritative guide that instructors must know. More disturbingly, practitioners inexplicably disappear.

      Namaslay takes viewers on a wild journey of self-discovery in a world that feels out of place. The sharp dialogue is often laugh-out-loud funny, and the project exudes a refreshing originality. The unpredictable direction of the story keeps the audience guessing. Its blend of various styles evokes memories of genre-bending films like Repo Man (1984), with a distinct influence from South Asian cinema, where unexpected musical dance-offs might be just around the corner. The lurking presence of sinister actions and malice highlights the multitude of surprises awaiting in Namaslay.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★

      Robert W. Monk