Hare Krishna.
Kartikeya 2 vs PK: Logic Done Right and Wrong in Understanding Religion and Spirituality

Recently, the movie Kartikeya 2 has become quite popular. It portrays a skeptic’s journey toward appreciating India’s spiritual tradition—specifically centered on Krishna—not just his divinity, but also his historicity, his wisdom, and his multifaceted greatness.

In contrast, PK depicts an alien who comes to Earth and is skeptical about various religious practices. While the movie claims to critique all religions, it disproportionately targets Hinduism for the most scathing criticism.

For instance, in relation to Islam, all that’s shown is the alien entering a mosque with wine and being driven out. This simply highlights his ignorance and insensitivity, not the religion in a bad light. Christianity is depicted only in terms of monetary conversion, without deeper criticism. But it is the Vedic tradition—especially deity worship—that is mocked extensively. Religious teachers are portrayed as hypocritical, exploitative, and self-serving. Rituals are portrayed as irrational expressions of blind faith.

Yes, blind faith and superstition can creep into any tradition. But the way PK singles out Hinduism is an example of logic being selectively used to serve an agenda. Worse, it only pretends to be logical.

Take, for example, one key theme in the romance subplot: the girl is told by a Hindu religious leader that her Muslim lover betrayed her—reinforcing the idea that right-wing Hindus are bigoted. Later, it turns out to be a misunderstanding. The supposed message is: “Don’t generalize.”

That’s fair. But then PK itself generalizes! It depicts all Hindu holy men as frauds and all their followers as gullible. Why this double standard? Couldn’t it have shown even one thoughtful spiritual teacher? One intelligent follower? Are we to believe that only an alien has a monopoly on logic and intelligence?

In contrast, Kartikeya 2 begins with the hero as a skeptic. But then he meets thoughtful professors who explain the wisdom and richness of India’s spiritual tradition. Through such encounters, and through some extraordinary and mystical experiences, the protagonist’s logic leads him to appreciation—not rejection. That is a far more balanced and mature portrayal.

Let’s consider an important analogy:
Philosophy is like science, and culture—including rituals—is like technology. Most people who use the Internet don’t know how it works. Does that mean the Internet is fake? Of course not. Similarly, people may follow cultural or religious practices without fully understanding them. That doesn’t invalidate the tradition. The right thing to do is to ask those who do understand—just as we ask scientists how the Internet or semiconductors work.

Likewise, there are wise, thoughtful spiritual teachers who can explain the meaning behind the rituals. This balanced approach is what PK lacks—and what Kartikeya 2 points toward.

A final point: Every domain of knowledge—including science—requires some faith. When a scientific theory is proposed, it’s based on limited evidence, and future discoveries may revise or even disprove it. Similarly, religion and spirituality also require faith—but in the Vedic tradition, faith is not blind. In fact, reason complements faith.

Unlike some traditions that emphasize commandments (“Do this” or “Don’t do that”), the Vedic tradition emphasizes inquiry. The Upanishads are full of questions. Even the Puranas, which are more accessible to the general public, are structured around question-and-answer discussions. The Bhagavad-gita itself is a dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna. When Arjuna doesn’t understand something, he questions—even challenges—Krishna. And Krishna doesn’t silence him—he answers.

This shows that logic, reason, and inquiry are not only welcomed but are central to the Vedic approach to spirituality.

Yes, filmmakers can use creative liberty to entertain. But when they choose to depict religious or spiritual traditions, it becomes their responsibility to portray them accurately and respectfully. Otherwise, they promote misunderstanding and serve hidden agendas.

In that regard, it’s refreshing to see logic used constructively in films like Kartikeya 2. And for those who wish to deepen their understanding of religion and spirituality, the Vedic tradition offers a treasure trove of wisdom—available to all who sincerely seek and inquire.

We simply need to find the right teachers who can present this wisdom in a way that is logical, rational, intelligible, and transformational.

Thank you. Hare Krishna.