Movie Review
Cast: Manoj Bajpai, Juhi Chawla, Maninder, Neha Pendse, Siddarth (child artiste)
Director: Ganesh Acharya
Music: Nitin Arora, Sony Chandy
Lyrics: Sameer
Screenplay: Bhavani Iyer, Muazzam Beg
Cinematography: Lenin
EXCLUSIVE REVIEW BY HANUMANT BHANSALI
Swami is a film which has simplicity labelled all over it. The story is the real hero of this film rather than the actors. Choreographer turned director Ganesh Acharya has chosen a subject which many film makers do not dare to think about in today’s world of glossy cinema. The film stars competent actors like Manoj Bajpai, Juhi Chawla, newcomer Maninder, Neha Pendse and child artiste Siddarth.
Swami is a lovable film and a rare subject to begin one’s film making career. Likewise, Swami is not mind-blowing, especially in the second half where the director’s vision and screenplay looks restricted in many aspects. Visually the film has been given a non glamourous look. Swami’s simplicity may also work against it. The film’s business largely depends on the publicity through the word of mouth.
The story revolves around Swami (Manoj Bajpai) and his family which includes wife Radha (Juhi Chawla) and kid Siddarth. They shift to Mumbai after selling their ancestral home. They manage to get their son admitted in a high profile school where the rich people send their children for education.
All of a sudden, Radha falls prey to an illness which starts trapping her heart beats. Swami starts working overtime in order to raise money for Radha’s operation, the only way to get her back to normal. Radha, on the contrary, spends the money on a chair which is Swami’s long lived desire.
Radha leaves the world. Radha’s only desire is to see her son going to America. Swami works towards his new found goal in life. This lays the base of the remaining plot.
Swami is spot on in the first hour but after the intermission, the movie tends to lose at certain points. The inclusion of new characters in the latter part of the story like the friends at the park, etc diverts the storyline. A little bit of editing in the second half would have done wonders for the film.There are many instances when the scenes manage to moist the eyes.
The fims is emotionally rich, showing director Ganesh Acharya’s fine skills in extracting good performances from his entire cast. The screenplay lacks crispness which is evidently visible in the second half of the movie. Music wise, the film caters to a classical genre loving people which may also not go well with the young audience. Cinematography is strictly average.
Performance wise, Manoj Bajpai, Juhi Chawla play the characters with a natural flair and live up to the characters of the script. Child artiste Siddarth is completely adorable. You wouldn’t mind taking him home with you. Debutante actor Maninder delivers a very good performance. Neha Pendse is effective in her role.
Overall, one can watch Swami for some real good first half and an average second half. The film may turn out to be a dark horse in the long run at the box office.
Radiosargam Movie Rating: 6.5/10
Hanumant Bhansali
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