More on Caruhasa's Ramayana
by Arjunanatha dasa
Posted December 20, 2002

Dear Chakra,

I don't wish to put down anyone's sincere devotional efforts, but when those efforts involve spinning an unrealistic fantasy, not only about Lord Rama, but also the prospects of Hollywood success ... and sucking in 'investment' from anyone sufficiently enthused and solvent...

Making a poor film isn't a crime, but when it's about the Supreme Personality of Godhead, devotees should be more careful, especially when Srila Prabhupada has condemned the idea. Twice. And pretending that it's good, doing a review under your 'other' name is really verging into the realms of con-artistry.

After Caruhasa spoke to me several times about his project at Bhaktivedanta Manor, (saying that Srila Prabhupada told him to do it). I offered to do a website for the film in return for some royalties. He then phoned me many times from the USA, encouraging me. I got the trailer transferred to web format and published a website at a cost of a few hundred pounds. Strangely, I never heard from him again, despite reminding him quite a few times that he had promised to send me a copy of the video. My children might have liked it. Then again, maybe not.

Here are the folio quotes:

from Folio:
20 July, 1974
74-07-20
Los Angeles
My Dear Caruhasa das;
Please accept my blessings. I have received your letter undated and also seen the picture book. You should know it that Krsna is not a plaything. These things should strictly not be done.* If you do this, then Krsna will become a fairy tale. Please drop this matter. I hope this meets you in good health.
Your ever well wisher,
A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
ACBS:bs
*About trying to have karmis make a movie on Krsna Book.

8 August, 1974
74-08-20
Los Angeles
My dear Caruhasa das,
Please accept my blessings. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated July 26th 1974 with the enclosed slides. I appreciate your interest in making the Krishna book film but it is not important for now. I therefore think that you could use your talent better if you work with Yadubara. In Hawaii I understand that he is making TV programs. So you can go and help with him. I do not care very much for these filmings because by presenting Krishna in this way it makes it something like fantasy. It is better to have people to read my Krishna books what I have written so that they can understand Krishna fully. I think you can understand this. I hope this meets you in good health.
Your ever well wisher,
A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
ACBS/bs/ps

Yours,
Arjunanatha dasa

Webservant, ISKCON UK
www.iskcon.org.uk