Namaslay: Seven Years of Development for a Horror Satire on Yoga

Seven years of development separated the initial concept from the finished product of Namaslay, a feature film that blends horror and satire. The project was written and directed by brothers Kanish and Rish Arhant-Sudhir, who utilized their family history to critique the commercialization of yoga in Western markets.

The narrative centers on the character Paati, a role inspired directly by the brothers’ grandmother. Usha Krishnan, their great aunt, portrays the character on screen. This familial connection allowed the directors to refine their thematic approach. Rish Arhant-Sudhir noted that the bond with their grandmother enabled the film to express its ideas "more sensitively than we had initially." He described the tonal shift as moving from a "flamethrower" to a "blowtorch," aiming for precision rather than force.

The story addresses the extraction and resale of cultural practices. Rish Arhant-Sudhir observed that while the surface level of the film contains slapstick elements, a sinister undercurrent exists regarding colonialism and commoditization. He stated, "There is an extraction and then a resale at a premium." Kanish Arhant-Sudhir emphasized that identity functions as a component of character interaction rather than the sole narrative driver, arguing that identity alone cannot sustain a story.

The brothers’ writing process relies on constant collaboration. Kanish Arhant-Sudhir explained that he hands scenes to his brother when he stalls, receiving them back reworked. This exchange ensures the script has been reviewed by both parties before a draft is considered complete. They frequently finish each other's sentences during the production.

Financial obstacles and repeated rejections shaped the production timeline. To mitigate risk, the brothers recruited their best friends to serve as department heads. Rish Arhant-Sudhir recalled instances where outsiders doubted the project's feasibility. He credited the department heads for taking chances on the team, turning possibilities into realities. Kanish Arhant-Sudhir expressed gratitude for having a "front-row seat to this precise level of artistry," noting that the close working relationship allowed them to maintain personal connections outside of set hours.

The persistence required to complete the film was a defining factor for the duo. Kanish Arhant-Sudhir stated that neither brother has ever given up on the project. He described a dynamic where one person’s belief in the project’s success is sufficient to sustain the other’s commitment, ensuring the work continues until completion.