8/3/2019 Swades - Film Review

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SWADES:We, the people

Swades: We, the People is a 2004 Indian film written,

produced and directed by Ashutosh Gowariker,starring Shahrukh Khan and debutant Gayatri Joshi.

Brief Summary

A man searching for clues to hispast pays a visit to the place

where he was born. The drama islaced with adventure, Bollywoodmusic and love for oneshomeland. Mohan Bhargava (ShahRukh Khan) left the small villagein India where he was born and

raised to travel to the UnitedStates, where he worked as partof the American space program.But after the death of his parents,Mohan becomes nostalgic for hishome and takes a leave in order

to visit Kaveri (Kishori Ballal), awoman who helped to raise him asa boy. While searching for Kaveri,Mohan becomes reacquainted

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashutosh_Gowarikerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shahrukh_Khanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gayatri_Joshihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashutosh_Gowarikerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shahrukh_Khanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gayatri_Joshi

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realities of rural India. This journey to Kodi and back provesto be the turning point in Mohan'slife and he comes back with aresolve to take more interest inimproving the quality of life of thevillagers. But many in thecommunity have little regard forMohan's accomplishments in theUnited States until he stepsforward to help his old neighborsby revamping the village'santiquated electrical systemmaking the village self-sufficient.

By then, it's time for him to leave.Kaveri Amma, whom he hadintended to take along with him,refuses to come. He returns alonebut feels a growing sense ofresponsibility towards his country

and guilt for not being able to domuch for the welfare of its people.

CRITICAL APPRECIATION

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Cinematography [Mahesh Aney] isexcellent. The rural look has beencaptured beautifully. Dialogues [K.P.

Saxena] are outstanding, but they tend toget into a sermonizing mode after a point.The music is brilliant and mesmerizing.Shah Rukh Khan stands firm on his feet indramatic sequences, confirming yet againthat he's not merely a super-star, but agood actor as well. Gayatri Joshi makes aconfident debut, though she can go easyon her expressions at times. Yet,considering that this happens to be hermaiden big screen appearance as also thefact that she's paired with the country'sbiggest star, Gayatri manages to makeher presence felt.The story of SWADES would've been ideal

for a documentary, the story is not asabsorbing - it doesn't have the meat tolast for 3 long hours - and even thenarrative unfolds at a sluggish andlethargic pace.

Yes, SWADES has a few interestingmoments. But a handful of deftly

executed sequences aren't enough.To put it bluntly, the movie is very highon hype, good on substance and low onentertainment.

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On the whole the movieperfectly portrays ones

love towards his/herhomeland and mostimportantly NationalIntegration! AmitAWARDS and RATINGSRATINGS- (Planet Bollywood) (Rediff)

(IMDb)

National Film Awards

Best Male Playback Singer - Udit Narayan

Best Cinematography - Mahesh Aney

Filmfare Awards

Best Actor - Shahrukh Khan

Best Background Score - A.R. Rahman

Global Indian Film Awards

Best Actor - Shahrukh Khan

Best Newcomer - Gayatri Joshi

Zee Cine Awards

Best Female Debut - Gayatri Joshi

Best Story

Star Screen Awards

Most Promising Female Newcomer - Gayatri Joshi

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Bollywood Movie Awards

Best Debut Female - Gayatri Joshi

Film Caf Awards

Best Actor - Shahrukh Khan

Rupa Cinegoers Awards for Jury Best Actor

Jury Best Actor - Shahrukh Khan