The son of a Dalit postmaster and a casteless tribeswoman, PK Mahanandia endured prejudice all his life but it never dulled his beautiful smile. When a beautiful Swedish woman smiles back, the impoverished artist leaves New Delhi for the distant Borås, chasing a fate that’s written in the stars.
2026
The Cycle of Love
2026
The Cycle of Love
Director
Orlando von Einsiedel
Runtime
98 Minutes
Country
India, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States
Classification
All Ages
As a scorned member of India’s lowest caste, PK Mahanandia was used to being sneered at and assaulted for the crime of being poor. And yet, in a testament to the richness of his kind and gentle spirit, he brought happiness to the strangers who would sit as he drew their portrait for a handful of rupees. Swedish backpacker Lotta von Schedvin did exactly that, flabbergasting PK as her story appeared to match an astrological reading his doting dad had done when he was a lad. When Lotta returns to Sweden, PK packs up what little he owns, strapping it to the back of a second-hand bike. It’s 1977 and he pedals nearly 6000km from the New Delhi heat towards the cool of Borås, Sweden hoping to win her hand. The Cycle of Love features heart-warming recollections from PK and Lotta as well as radiant recreations by actors Mina Dale and Chirag Benedict Lobo. It’s a miraculous ode to a love that knows no borders beautifully told by Oscar-winning director Orlando von Einsiedel.
“A tale of unashamed joy and positivity likely to leave even the most hardened pessimist with a smile on their face.”
Variety
“Delicate and heartwarming … the many ways strangers helped him persevere provides the kind of unwavering heart that drains one’s tear ducts.”
RogerEbert.com
“Gorgeously filmed recreations immerse viewers in an epic love story that spans continents and decades … a moving and deeply romantic film about destiny, connection, and the journey that binds them.”
Next Best Picture
Hamptons - Artemis Rising Foundation Award for Social Impact
Telluride
Sheffield
Sydney
Melbourne
Film Credits
Director
Orlando von Einsiedel
Country
India, Sweden, United Kingdom & United States
Language
English, Hindi & Pashto
Subtitles
English
Type
Feature Documentary
Program Strand
World Documentary
Producer
Harri Grace, Chloe Leland, Emelie Mahanandia von Schedvin & Karl Mahanandia von Schedvin
Cinematographer
Franklin Dow
Editor
Katie Bryer
Music
Patrick Jonsson
Genre
Adventure, Asia, Documentary, Feel-Good & Romance
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