Swades

I finally saw Swades today, and I must admit, it would easily find a way into favorites. Truly a classy movie, atleast according to the standards set by bollywood for itself in the recent past.

I was wondering what actually makes it a good movie. I mean Shahrukh the star helps, but he is not the one who's carrying the movie on his shoulders. The script is pretty much bollywood fare too. I think what really stands out is Ashutosh Gowariker's direction. In my honest opinion, its simply sublime. The way he is able to capture the essence of rural India, the depiction of the conflict within the NRI's head and the subplot of the romance is nonpareil. Gayatri Joshi is brilliant. She simply oozes sensuality; potraying the Indian woman of today in complete measure. She's never overshadowed by Shah Rukh in scenes with him, and that in itself is quite an achievement. I remember, Shah Rukh in Amitabh in Mohabbattein- SRK looked miniscule on the screen in front of a behemoth of a Amitabh- a situation that should have occurred here as well but didn't. Her character has been perfectly etched to complement the character of the protagonist- who could be no other than Shah Rukh. Its really sad that she has gotten married and put paid to any hopes of a bollywood career. I really wish she would be back, and break the norm of not having a married actress in Bollywood.



Even the scene of the lighting of the bulb- I think the whole scene would have paled into insignificance if it had not been for the old, blind lady receiving power first. That smile she gives is indeed haunting. A classic illustration of the myriad pieces that encompass the humongous jigsaw puzzle that India so truly is. This was one movie in which I truly enjoyed the happy ending. It should have been this way.

Ashutosh Gowariker deserves his awards in totality. Awesome movie. Simply put.