May 31, 2005 11:58 PM
2005 Views
(Updated May 31, 2005 11:58 PM)
““SWADES”………………..E GAON MEIN E-MAIL
To cut it short, ‘Swades’ , borrowing its tag line ‘we … the people’ from a
very famous book , is an imposed rather than inspired patriotism. Luckily
it does carry a flavour of our country”s soil.
In today’s times of internet explosion, economic globalisation leading to a
worldwide cultural revolution , the movie can be viewed and reviewed,
discussed and debated from numerous points of views. The tale of a high
profile US based scientist ejecting himself to his homeland deemed as a
short visit and ultimately deciding to stay back after witnessing pathetic
conditions in a village is not only unconvincing but a bit contrived too.
The plot , off course moves with a solid and definite purpose…but silently.
It successfully reflects the the dismal and stark realities of our population
residing in villages prominently being lack of education., basic infrastructure,
poverty, gender wars and finally a total lack of inner strength ,means and
confidence and will to fight against widespread social and economic evils. The
dichotomy between India and the US is splendidly shown thru,a tete-e- tete
between the scientist and a handful of “well informed’ villagers.
On the positive side , the enterprise boasts of a micro detailing of a typical
Indian village , the age old panchayat, villagers having no will to improve
their social and and economic conditions, a helpless school teacher, and so on.
Now the performances! Practically in every frame of the flick, Sharukh khan,
looking cute and handsome,is highly desirable and performs with unquestionable
supremacy and authority. Such a soul stirring act that one can peep into his eyes
and understand the trials and tribulations of the villagers. Gayatri Joshi , a first
timer on the silver screen, shown as the daughter of the soil, does impress with
her high handed no- nonsense approach towards our culture, education , matrimony
Despite being a purposeful film and the director’s heart at the right place, “Swades’
a debacle at the cash counter, falls unarmingly on several counts. Prominently
being its documentary feel, which mars its entertainment value.The major flaw
is the shifting of the main pratogonist from the dollar opportunities to the rupee
nightmares. Was it genuinely mandatory to shift from , with bags and baggages,
from a resourceful and rich nation to a wanting one? Further the movie moves with a yawning pace throughout its tiring length of 192 minutes. Lastlly and very
importantly Ashutosh Gowarikar , the director, commits an unforgivable crime
of coaching the audience with atag around his neck “ how to make a good movie’
Inspite of its bottlenecks, what makes you glued to your seats is Sharukh”s terrific
screen presence, a shoddy but somewhat focused script and some inspiring music
by A R Rehman. A must-see.
