Show tries to reinvent potentially dangerous criminal
THE hit Netflix documentary series Wild Wild Country brilliantly documents the extraordinary decades-old story of controversial Indian cult guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (Osho) and his one-time personal assistant Ma Anand Sheela.
The series captivated audiences to the extent that there has been strong talk of a movie based on it. This single-episode follow-up sees the now elderly Ma Anand Sheela return to India after 34 years and do an interview tour, interacting with mostly bored socialites and denying her crimes.
This documentary almost tries to reinvent the dangerously charismatic woman, who committed serious crimes as some sort of celebrity and cultural icon, which is largely why it is problematic. Although years have passed since she helped create a commune in America that resulted in widespread accusations of criminal behaviour that ruined countless lives, it is largely what has defined her life. Those aware of her exploits or who have seen Wild Wild Country will know how unreliable she is as a person and how potentially deceptive, which makes this documentary inauthentic.
Wild Wild Country succeeded because it told a compelling story and where possible showed the real personality of those involved, including their decidedly dark sides. This documentary just seems like everyone, from Netflix to Ma Anand Sheela, is trying to cash in on the massive success of the series. The only really interesting aspect in the episode is why so many in India remain fascinated by Ma Anand Sheela decades later and that isn’t explored. Her life now is interesting and there are some glimpses of that, but ultimately you don’t learn anything new, and can’t trust what she says.
That is why this pointless exercise should be largely ignored. Watch the superb Wild Wild Country instead and wait for the planned movie based around her life.