A guru — a real-life Indian guru — is what Vikram Gandhi became in order to star in and direct “Kumaré,” shown Saturday at the 15th Annual Roger Ebert’s Film Festival at the Virginia Theatre in Champaign.

“Kumaré” is a documentary that explores the hype surrounding spiritual gurus, and what Gandhi calls “their questionable validity.” Gandhi’s search for truth leads him to investigate American and Indian gurus to see if these “spiritual leaders” are actually any different than the common person. Deciding they all seem phony, Gandhi decides to become a guru. He feels if he can do it, then so can anyone else.

Trading in street clothes for traditional Indian dress, growing a long ponytail and beard and masking a New Jersey accent with a thick Indian one, Gandhi completely adapts to his new guru persona: Kumaré.

By formulating a religion based on made-up yoga moves, chants and readings, Gandhi manages to convince people of his “beliefs” and to build a band of loyal Kumaré disciples.

Is this beginning to sound like a remake of the snarky comedy “Borat” starring Sacha Baron Cohen? I was starting to think so too. However, halfway through the film, the storyline takes a heartfelt turn. You begin to see Gandhi’s sincere desire to help his newfound followers when they turn to him for answers to their personal problems.

“Truth is, under this beard, and this outfit, I was just like them,” Gandhi revealed during one scene in the film.

Whether a given follower was a recovering addict, a stressed single parent or a socially isolated retiree, all of the disciples felt drawn to Kumaré because it allowed them to meet their own needs and improve their lives.

According to Chaz Ebert, widow to the late Roger Ebert, her husband was drawn to this film because it answered questions for him regarding cult-like activity.

“Roger was a very spiritual person and was fascinated by cults,” Ebert said. “How do people allow themselves to follow someone? Are they that charismatic, or is it about the needs of the followers?”

This film is a must-see because it answers these questions in an engaging and hopeful light. “Kumaré” shows the reality of why people are drawn to spiritual gurus and self-help groups. Gandhi, who was apprehensive about how the potentially controversial film would be received, says he is honored to have his film featured at Ebertfest.

“I really feel like (Ebert) got it, and to get a thumbs up, I am just honored,” Gandhi said prior to the start of the film. “As a filmmaker, you never know how people will receive it; you never know what finger you are going to get.”

Anna is a sophomore in Media. She can be reached at [email protected].