Siddhartha (1972)
Conrad Rooks' visually stunning adaptation of Hermann Hesse's beloved novel traces one man's lifelong search for spiritual truth.
Siddhartha - Movie Information
- Original Title: Siddhartha
- Release Year: 1972
- Directed by: Conrad Rooks
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Mystery
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 23m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 1, 1972 (Italy - PG-13), July 18, 1973 (United States - R)
- Production Companies: Lotus Films International
- Production Countries: India, United States of America
Siddhartha - Plot
Siddhartha is the story of a young Brahmin and his search for a meaningful way of life. His journey takes him through periods of harsh asceticism, sensual pleasures, material wealth, self-revulsion and eventually to the oneness and harmony that he had been seeking. The story is based on the best-selling novel by German Nobel Prize winner Hermann Hesse.
Siddhartha - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a glimpse of Siddhartha's extraordinary spiritual odyssey.
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Siddhartha - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Conrad Rooks
Main Cast
- Shashi Kapoor
- Simi Garewal
- Romesh Sharma
- Zul Vellani
- Amrik Singh
- Kunal Kapoor
- Shanti Hiranand
- Pinchoo Kapoor
Writers
- Conrad Rooks
Producers
- Conrad Rooks
Siddhartha - FAQs
Is Siddhartha based on a true story?
Siddhartha is not based on a true story, but it draws on real spiritual traditions. It adapts Hermann Hesse's celebrated 1922 novel, which was itself inspired by the life of Gautama Buddha and ancient Indian philosophy. The protagonist is a fictional Brahmin, not the historical Buddha.
What is Siddhartha about?
The film follows a young Brahmin named Siddhartha on a lifelong quest for meaning. He moves through phases of strict asceticism with wandering holy men, sensual indulgence with a courtesan named Kamala, and the hollow comfort of material wealth, before ultimately finding inner peace and spiritual harmony.
Who plays Siddhartha in the 1972 film?
Bollywood legend Shashi Kapoor plays the title role of Siddhartha. His performance anchors the film's meditative tone, and he is joined by Simi Garewal as the enchanting courtesan Kamala, in what became one of her most iconic screen appearances.
Who directed Siddhartha (1972)?
Conrad Rooks directed the film. An American filmmaker and artist, Rooks also wrote the screenplay and produced the picture. He shot the film entirely in India with a largely Indian cast, bringing a distinctly immersive quality to Hesse's philosophical story.
What is the age rating for Siddhartha?
Siddhartha is rated R in the United States. The rating reflects the film's mature themes, including nudity and sensual content tied to Siddhartha's period of worldly indulgence. It is a thoughtful, literary film intended for adult audiences comfortable with philosophical and spiritual subject matter.
Who was the cinematographer for Siddhartha?
The film was lensed by Sven Nykvist, the legendary Swedish cinematographer best known for his long collaboration with Ingmar Bergman. His visually poetic work on Siddhartha is widely praised, capturing the landscapes of India with a luminous, contemplative beauty that perfectly suits the story's spiritual journey.
When was Siddhartha released?
Siddhartha had its initial release on August 1, 1972, in Italy. It reached American audiences on July 18, 1973, where it was rated R. The film's staggered international rollout reflected the art-house circuit through which it found its audience during the early 1970s.
What are some movies similar to Siddhartha?
If Siddhartha resonates with you, consider exploring A Gentle Creature (2017) for its meditative intensity, Kantara - A Legend: Chapter 1 (2025) for its deep roots in Indian spiritual mythology, or The Eternal Daughter (2022) for its quiet, introspective atmosphere. Each shares a contemplative, searching quality.
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