Arty Sensibilities + Commercial Treatment = Great. Review on Swades

After the success of Lagaan , Ashutosh Gowariker could have directed any film that he wanted with any cast and crew . So what did he do ? Well, he made Swades , a film which is about an individual?s search for his roots !

Mohan ( Shah Rukh Khan ), an orphan , who works in the epitome of scientific advancement , NASA , comes to India with a simple objective - to take back his nanny to the US . But in the process, he gets to see the real India, the rural India that we all know exists but wants to run away from. Even though at first, he does?nt want to get involved in the life of the villagers, he finally realizes that there?s more to do in his own country than in the US. So does he actually stay behind ? Well I won?t give that away in case you haven?t seen the film.

It?s a perfect sequel to Lagaan in spirit. It will always be an uphill task for Ashutosh to better Lagaan , but he really came close with Swades. And that say?s a lot about his directorial ability . He might not have set the box office on fire but he has certainly has proved that Lagaan was no flash in the pan!

Indeed, the film has some very strong point?s in it?s favor .

1stly the scriptitself ? In recent times how many films have we seen that explores the mind of an NRI without being jingoistic? None.

Here?s one film that is neither about ?Mera Bharat Mahan? nor about the guilt conscious NRI?s . The film , in fact , strikes a fine balance between the two without going overboard . And that?s not all . There also subtle romance and humor in the film

2ndly , the performances? This is undoubtedly Shah Rukh Khan?s best performance till date . He is simply fabulous ! He gives a restrained performance and let?s his moist eye?s convey his inner pain. Full marks to Ashu for making Shah Rukh , the actor shine and not the star. And thank god , his costumes are not designed by Karan Johar , as has been the case in recent years. In simple cotton shirts and T-Shirts , King Khan is looking dashing.

Gayatri Joshi , the female lead is a lovely , confident looking lady . She has held her own in front of a superstar and that say?s a lot about her acting and her screen presence. Yes, she does look a tad too perfect for the role of a teacher in all those cotton sarees. In fact , I would love to study in a school where the teachers are so beautiful.

All the supporting actors are chosen with care and being theatre actor?s they haven?t disappointed one bit.

Music? Simple music that goes very well with the mood of the film , that?s AR Rahman?s music for you. No techno beats here !! Just goes to show that Rahman is a class apart. He can give whatever you want.

Screenplay? It?s fantastic . Each and every scene has been constructed with care . There are quite a few moments in the film that remains with you even when you end the film . e.g there?s this defining moment in the film where Shah Rukh buys a glass of water from a poor boy selling water at the platform for 25 paise per earthen glass. It?s particularly significant when you consider the fact that Khan hasn't touched anything but mineral water since his arrival.

Dialogues? Yes, the dialogues does get a bit preachy at times but Ashutosh clearly wants the audience to think and take some wisdom from the film when are finished with the screening. And there?s nothing wrong with that . A gem of a dialogue is the one where Kaveri Amma ( Nanny ) ask?s Shah Rukh , ? Tera Nasha kaisa Hai? . Relax !! Nasha is actually NASA !!

Technically the film is good. Things have been kept simple, whether it?s the cinematography, set designing or the editing.

Some critics have said that Swades is more of a documentary than a film . So what?s wrong with that ? As if making documentary is a sin , hah ..In any case , how often do we get to see a documentary with a superstar in the lead , music by a genius , direction by a sensitive , intelligent man and with good production values ? Not too often , right ?

So Mr. Ashutosh Gowariker , forget the people and continue to make films that you believe in .

PS: One question to Mr. Gowariker in case he is reading this , ? Are you really the same guy who directed Pehla Nasha , Baazi ?and if the media reports are true ? Izzat Ki roti ?

Arty Sensibilities + Commercial Treatment = Great Cinema