Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator
An incisive investigation into how Bikram Choudhury’s magnetic yoga empire concealed allegations of sexual abuse and exposed the dangers of guru worship.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- None
- investigative
- tense
- serious
- true crime viewing
- social justice discussion
What critics said
Critics broadly find the documentary a compelling and rigorous investigation, strengthened by archival footage and firsthand testimony about Choudhury's charisma, abuse allegations, and continuing influence.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Bikram Choudhury's celebrity, tough-love persona, and worldwide studio franchise are contrasted with accusations of rape and sexual harassment.
Archival footage presents Choudhury as an entertaining, magnetic instructor while interviews and allegations reveal a darker pattern.
Sarah Baughn and other former acolytes describe their complicated movement from yoga followers to accusers and critics.
The film's extensive footage of Choudhury's charm offers clues to his dark side when viewed alongside later testimony.
Films like Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator, and why
The Vow
shared investigative documentary approach to charismatic leaders, institutional power, and abuse allegations
Leaving Neverland
shared focus on sexual abuse, betrayed followers, and the corruption of a supposedly benevolent institution
Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult
shared true-crime examination of charismatic authority, victim testimony, and the tension between public image and private misconduct
Surviving R. Kelly
shared documentary scrutiny of celebrity power, sexual exploitation, and the difficulty of holding influential figures accountable
Movie Details
- Director
- Eva Orner
- Release Date
- 2019-09-10
- Runtime
- 86 min
- Rating
- 6.3 / 10 (138)
Cast
- Bikram Choudhury
- Larissa Anderson
- Francesca Asumah
- Sarah Baughn
- John Dowd
- Mukul Dutta
- Jafa-Bodden Micki
- Carla Minnard
- Richard Nixon
- Mark Quigley
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator about?
- An incisive investigation into how Bikram Choudhury’s magnetic yoga empire concealed allegations of sexual abuse and exposed the dangers of guru worship.
- What is Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator.
- What did critics think of Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator?
- Critics broadly find the documentary a compelling and rigorous investigation, strengthened by archival footage and firsthand testimony about Choudhury's charisma, abuse allegations, and continuing influence.
- Which films are like Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator?
- Films with a similar feel include The Vow, Leaving Neverland, Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult, and Surviving R. Kelly.
- How long is Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator?
- Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator runs 86 minutes.
- Where can I watch Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator?
- In United States, Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator streams on Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads.
