My Daughter Joined a Cult Launches on discovery+

My Daughter Joined a Cult, a new docuseries from VICE Studios about Swami Nithyananda, has launched on discovery+ India.

The series documents claims made by ex-devotees of the self-proclaimed “Godman” Nithyananda, while also telling the controversial character’s life story. The three-parter made its debut exclusively on discovery+ in India on June 2, with other international territories to follow at a later date.

My Daughter Joined a Cult is produced by VICE Studios. It captures the exposure of Nithyananda, who allegedly deceived his believers by luring them into joining his ashram and gurukul trust “Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam,” and then later allegedly abused them. It features testimonies from devotees, lawyers, journalists and activists.

Sai Abishek, original content head for South Asia at Warner Bros. Discovery, said: “Discovery has always been synonymous with content that is raw and real. Keeping authenticity at the core of our offerings, My Daughter Joined a Cult is yet another step toward bringing alive a story that has multiple layers. This series chronicles the journey of followers of Nithyanand and examines the vulnerabilities of humans that make them susceptible to joining cults to seek answers, sometimes leading to devastating effects. We are certain that viewers will be intrigued by this series, built on the back of hard-hitting firsthand accounts from ex-devotees, along with commentary from observers of his rise and subsequent allegations of abuse and fraud.”

Samira Kanwar, VP of content for APAC at VICE Studios, said, “My Daughter Joined A Cult is an uncompromising and unflinching docuseries about the internationally infamous figure of Swami Nithyananda. As is synonymous with VICE Studios, the series offers an authentic and compelling insight into a complex and controversial figure, using raw first-person testimonies and original production techniques. We are proud to be working with discovery+ to bring this series to a wide, global audience.”

Director Naman Saraiya said: “Such a comprehensive and complex investigation into Nithyananda and his religious movement would not have been possible without the trust and cooperation of each person we crossed paths with, be it former devotees, survivors, journalists, lawyers and police officers. I hope the series resonates with audiences around the world and generates greater awareness of the events that led to his fall from grace and the indelible impact on those left in its wake.”