classicsoncall
I'm beginning to learn that it's not unusual for Indian movies to approach and even surpass three hours in length. The surprising thing about "Swades" for me was that the story began in the United States, and then transitioned to the small Indian village of Charanpur by way of the principal character, Mohan Bhargava (Shah Rukh Khan), having a desire to reconnect with the nanny who raised him. Mohan has an awakening I guess one would say, as he observes the poverty in his travels through the countryside, and an unwillingness of most of it's citizens to challenge a caste system that keeps everyone within their own social class. I don't know if this was a bold statement for director Ashutosh Gowariker to make, especially in the way he contrasted the way of life in India with Mohan's description of life in the U.S. For all of it's own troubles, Mohan painted a picture of liberty and opportunity for one to follow his dreams in America, and tried to instill some of that kind of pride in being a citizen of a small community. There was repeated emphasis in the picture about self respect, independence and self reliance, probably none more effective than when the lovely school teacher Gita (Gayatri Joshi) declined a marriage proposal because of the devotion to her vocation. I must say, as a screen couple, Shah Rukh Khan and Gayatri Joshi are every bit as charismatic as Paul Newman and Elizabeth Taylor in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof". One of the intriguing things about the story is that you're never sure how the romance between the attractive couple will play out. When Gita longingly wishes for Mohan to turn around as he drives away to catch his plane back to the States, one can't help but feel a bit conflicted over their relationship.I look back upon the history of cinema in this country and think about the impact films have had on things like improving race relations, equality for women, and upward mobility for individuals born into unfortunate circumstances. "Swades" feels like a film that might do something similar for the Indian sub-continent, if it can successfully translate thought and ideas into action for ordinary citizens to challenge the status quo and stand up for themselves. The picture closes on just that kind of note, and one does get a sense that "the tides have begun to change direction".
wvriend
A feel good movie about the beauty of India's rural areas and diversity of its people. The movie preaches equality and gentle progression as it says in the English title: we, the people. This message is portrait through a Nasa manager who goes back to visit his nanny and finds love and truth on his way. The experiences he collects during his stay are shown without false sentiments but with the lighthearted spirit one recognizes from Bollywood. Of course with chanting, dancing, a small tear and lots of humor. Enjoy the sympathetic characters and a lost three hour visit to rural India.
kvchivukula
This movie is different for Shahrukh Khan because of many non-commercial elements in the plot. The Acting of Shahrukh khan is one of his bests of all time. Ashutosh Gowarikar executed the direction and screenplay with a good blend of songs and emotions. AR Rahman cannot be compared to any of the present generation music directors and I would give him a bow for his music and background score in this movie. He asserted that he is a legend of Indian cinema music. Gayathri Joshi showed natural expressions and really simple&beautiful in this movie. Some great scenes like kid selling water cups, haridas who is mocked by the society on regard of his caste, old woman expressing grief for no one caring about them in the ashram etc are overwhelming. Over all it's purely Indian and fresh movie.
