Jordon Jones, Period 0, Film Adaptation

Siddhartha:

Siddhartha, a Brahmin, belonging to the first of the four Hindu castes, was considered to be, but not necessarily, a priest who served the spiritual needs of the Buddhist community. Siddhartha was highly literate and educated - attributes exclusively, though not always, unique to Brahmins. In addition, Brahmins were often divided from other individuals on the basis of their more revered light complexions. Because of these reasons, Dev Patel, renowned for his portrayal of an Indian Muslim boy in "Slumdog Millionaire", adequately if not exceptionally befits the caricature of Siddhartha because his culture, adaptivity, charisma and character would allow him to prolifically act as Siddhartha.

                                                                                                                                                                       

Kamala:

Nina Davauluri's captivating beauty fits the seductress aspect of her character's significance. As can be inferred from Kamala's profession that she was not able to read, one can conclude that she was not a courtesan of the Brahmin caste. Because the Indian culture categorizes individuals on a basis of skin color, we can acknowledge that she was probably of a darker skin color; making this individual quite befitting to the caricature of Kamala.

Govinda:

Indian-American actor, Kal Penn, would exquisitely satisfy the role of Govinda due to his multitudes of diverse roles in a great plethora of movies. Because Govinda is quite adaptable to all trials of attaining enlightenment in the novel, Penn's very adaptable and diverse nature would adequately if 

not more than adequately suffice to befit the character of Govinda. In addition, Kal's light skinned color satisfies the stipulations that categorize Govinda as a Brahmin. In more roles than not, Kal is depicted as a friend; because friendship is such a significant theme of the relationship existing between Siddhartha and Govinda, Kal's character would be very much able to capture the character of Govinda.

Siddhartha's Son: 

Ayush Mahesh Khedekar, an intermediate skin color between his parents, Siddhartha and Kamala, 

exemplarily befits the character of young Siddhartha. Being an intermediate skin color would allow the film to have an underlying cultural allusion. Ayush is known for his desires to roam the world around him, most notably in "Slumdog Millionaire." Because Siddhartha's son was quite attached to 

exploring the material world around him, Khedekar would fit the role perfectly. 

Vasudeva: 

Morgan Freeman should play the role of Vasudueva because in all of his movies, or rather more movies than not, Morgan Freeman has served as the conveyor of multitudes of universal themes and inspirations in his profound film performances. In all of his roles, Morgan surfaced as an individual 

who could effectively address, relate, and connect to the occurrences that audiences generally don't have the courage to personally address and would much rather address on a wider scale. Morgan

Freeman's already accustomed nature to providing such inspiration would significantly inspire Siddhartha to learn the ways of the river and in turn, lead him to his enlightenment. A little inspiration can transform the most colossal dilemmas. 

Kamaswami: 

Leonardo DiCaprio should play the role of Kamaswami because when it comes to him in more movies than not, there are no games in business. Because Kamaswami was very animate about how good business should be carried out, Leonardo DiCaprio's severity which characterizes most of his business roles are very befitting to the stipulations needed to play Kamaswami.

Buddha:

Roshan Seth should have the role of the Buddha in the film because in more performances than not, Seth is depicted as an intense, yet remarkably gentile character. The Buddha is an intense and captivating entity, but his intensity is remarkable over-shadowed by the humility, and gentility of which he is associated with. 

   In contemplating where I'd re-locate the story in order to appeal to the younger generations, I'd have 

to choose New York. While New York is commonly associated with the city, many parts of New York are dedicated to preserving and nurturing natural habitats while simultaneously expanding its city boundaries. Such an environment would stay true to and nurture all aspects of Siddhartha's journey - his interactions with the forest, his growth and development in the city with Kamaswami and Kamala, as well as the end of his path with Vasudeva by the river. Central Park and the mountains of upstate New York could appeal to the forest part of Siddhartha's journey, the Hudson River could foster the interactions between Vasudeva and Siddhartha, and Manhattan, where many paeople solicit, could serve the merchantile aspect of Siddhartha's journey. Because New York provides each aspect of Siddhartha's journey in pure clarity, New York would maintain the basic nature of the book as well as appeal to the younger generation. 

   In order to appeal to the younger generation of viewers, I would change the distractions conflicting Siddhartha's ability to attain enlightenment. First, in Siddhartha's first encounter with a woman, I would have made those two characters go a little farther than they did, and make the woman have a baby - more like a baby Siddhartha never knows about because he leaves and goes on to meet Kamala - never to think about that woman again. When Kamala and Siddhartha are in the prime of their relationship and just conceived, the previous woman would surface and announce that she is having a baby! Wouldn't that be juicy? Fornication is definitely one of the most redundant mistakes, especially when the consequences - child, are permanent. Second, instead of Kamaswami's business being the greatest distraction to Siddhartha on his path to Nirvana,  I would make that event something more relevant to young viewers' lives of today. Instead of being a merchant, I would make Kamaswami's business a bling ring - a process of stealing in order to make profits. These two changes would evidently allow make it harder for Siddhartha to attain enlightenment, he would still attain enlightenment. Such an acknowledgment that attainment of enlightenment could be achieved no matter the circumstances, would certainly inspire the younger generations to aspire the unattainable despite the circumstances; realizing that no way of life is greater than the one you want to obtain, would make this novel a true modern day guide for the modern man's journey.