In the Name of Buddha is a 2002 British film drama written and directed by Rajesh Touchriver. The film tells the true story of Tamil doctor Siva, who fled to Britain in 1993, flushing his false passport down the toilet during his flight. Siva is a friend of the film's producer Sai George. Its plot revolves around the conflict between minority Tamil rebels and the Sri Lankan army and Indian peacekeeping forces. It is Touchriver's debut film as director, and shot in London and the Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
After its world premiere at the Oslo International Film Festival, the film proved controversial and garnered critical acclaim for its subject matter.[1] Touchriver was nominated in the category Best Debut Director at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival. It also won Best Foreign Film at the Beverly Hills Film Festival and the Best Film Award at the Newport Beach Film Festival in Hollywood. The film was also awarded "Best Film" at the Wine Country Film Festival in 2003. Following the success of In the Name of Buddha, Touchriver directed the music video for the song "Sunshowers" by M.I.A. in 2004.[2] M.I.A. approached Touchriver to direct after being moved by the film.
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It starts by showing a young Tamil medical student, Siva, who arrives, undocumented, at London's Heathrow International airport. He is taken into custody for arriving illegally. On the flight to London he looked forward to the questioning at immigration. He finds it difficult to tell his story because he must remember the travails he faced. He is betrayed by his Sinhalese best friend. Siva finds a humane and understanding Immigration Officer, an elderly lady. When he finishes, she rolls up her sleeve and shows him her Hitlerian concentration camp number. He is admitted to Britain as a political refugee.
“A Fine Balance”- India Today. “A Courageous Treatise” – Empire. “Terrific” – Film Review UK “Very worthy” – BBCi Films. “Brave film” - The Guardian