Ayurveda gets the spotlight in new documentary, The Double Helix of Life

A powerful new documentary on Ayurveda—Ayurveda: The Double Helix of Life—just had its grand premiere in New Delhi. Clocking in at 90 minutes and shot in English, the film dives deep into how this ancient Indian system of medicine might just be the answer to some of modern healthcare’s biggest challenges.The premiere took place at the Film Division Theatre. Union Minister of State for AYUSH and Health & Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, and AYUSH Secretary Rajesh Kotecha were there to do the honors, alongside a lineup of dignitaries from the health and wellness space.The film, produced by Dr. A.V. Anoop under AVA Productions in collaboration with the Ayurvedic Medicine Manufacturers Organisation of India (AMMOI), is directed by Vinod Mankara. Attendees included major voices in the Ayurvedic and medical world—Dr. P Ramkumar (AMMOI President), E.T. Neelakandan Moos (AMMOI Treasurer), Prof. Rabinarayan Acharya (Director General of CCRAS), Padma Shri Vaidya Balendu Prakash, Sanjay Shrivastava of Maharishi Ayurveda, and Promod Sharma from Baidyanath.So, what’s the big message? That Ayurveda isn’t just about herbal powders and yoga poses—it’s a holistic, preventive approach backed by actual research.

The film busts common myths that Ayurveda is all belief and no science, and instead shows how it’s supported by over a thousand peer-reviewed studies, modern lab testing, and real-world case stories.With chronic illnesses like diabetes, arthritis, and autoimmune diseases draining healthcare systems across the U.S., Germany, and Switzerland, The Double Helix of Life argues that Ayurveda offers something mainstream medicine often lacks—prevention.

And when it’s supported by evidence, it’s not just effective—it’s cost-efficient and low on side effects too.“Ayurveda gives us tools to not just treat, but prevent disease,” says Dr. A.V. Anoop. “It’s time to shift from managing symptoms to addressing root causes.”Director Vinod Mankara adds, “This film isn’t just about looking back at tradition—it’s about looking ahead. Ayurveda is already included in wellness insurance in countries like Germany and Switzerland. In India, it’s part of the Ayushman Bharat mission. It can really ease the pressure on our public health system.”