Swades is not a typical “Bollywood” movie. It is a thought-provoking and touching look at rural India and is relevant for anyone desiring a have a positive influence on those around them. It was written, directed, and produced by Ashutosh Gowariker, with music by Oscar winner A.R. Rahman.
Have you ever been in a place where you had everything you thought to wanted, but deep in your soul something is lacking? As Project Manager for Global Precipitation Measurement, a mission of NASA, NRI Mohan Bhargava’s (Shah Rukh Khan) future is set. He has a penthouse overlooking the Potomac, drives an expensive car, and his request for US citizenship has just been accepted. But success has left Mohan feeling empty. Lately, he has been thinking of an older woman who helped raise him back in India, Kaveriamma (Kishori Ballal). Feeling selfish and self-absorbed, he determines to return to Delhi and bring her back to live with him in America.
This trip will begin Mohan’s inner and outward journey which will eventually lead him to question what success really is. Swades is a study of contrasting worlds; from the quiet luxury of Air India’s first-class section where Mohan doesn’t even converse with this neighbor, to later travels in crowded trains, buses, and boats. Or, the cold, highly educated scientific world of NASA contrasted with life in Charanpur – plagued by illiteracy and daily power failures.
Upon landing in India, Mohan attempts to insulate himself from rural Indian life by taking along some modern conveniences. He borrows a caravan because he doesn’t know what living conditions he will face in the village and he loads up the refrigerator with bottled water. As he begins his journey, it is easy to see how he will eventually be seduced by India’s natural beauty, its traditions, and the warmth of its people. When he becomes lost, he is helped by a wandering holy man (sadhus) who tells Mohan “You have strayed from the path”. As they share the ride, they sing a lighthearted traveling song, “Yun Hi Chala Chala“, and the thirst in Mohan’s soul has its first refreshing drink.
Upon reaching the village, Mohan has a touching reunion with Kaveriamma but soon realizes she is content with her life caring for Gita (Gayatri Joshi) and her eight-year-old brother, Chikku. Gita, beautiful, independent and idealistic, is dedicated to educating the village children. She has no sympathy for “Non-Returning Indians” as she calls them and she sees Mohan as competition for Kaveriamma’s heart.
During his short visit, Mohan challenges the village elders on their beliefs and traditions. He lays out the case for the village becoming more self-reliant. He also seeks to win Kaveriamma over by helping Gita build support for more enrollment at her school, aided by the village postman, Nivaaran, and Mela Ram, a cook. The most powerful scenes occur when Mohan is sent by Kaveriamma to collect rent from a farmer. The poor farmer explains why he cannot pay the rent, yet he graciously offers his guests what little food he has. During the meal, Mohan is still drinking from the water bottle. On the return journey, a child offers him a cup of water at a train stop; Mohan finally drinks India’s water, his heart has been touched with compassion for the condition of his fellow Indians and is changed.
Shah Rukh Khan’s Mohan is a man of intelligence, sophistication, and quiet authority; a natural leader. He is at ease with people in all stations of life but has a special affection for Kaveriamma and children. His attraction to Gita and their eventual courtship is innocent and sweet, spiced with differences of opinion from two strong-willed and independent individuals.
Gayatri Joshi, in her first and only movie role, is perfectly cast as a woman passionate about her profession who must fight against centuries-old prejudices. Interacting with Mohan, she can put up a wall with a stare or be vulnerable the next minute. Other important characters add richness to the story, they are motherly Kaveriamma (Kishori Ballal), curious Nivaaran (Rajesh Vivek), and enterprising businessman Melaram (Daya Shanker Pandey). A.R. Rahman‘s score moves the story along well. My favorite song being “Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera“, evoking the cry of Mohan’s soul for a life with more meaning.
Director Ashutosh Gowariker has a universal message for anyone who has been blessed with more than the basics of life. No matter where we live, we can enjoy the beauty of our landscape, the warmth of family and friends, and find a way to serve those less fortunate among us. Unfortunately, Swades was not successful at the box office when first released in 2004, but has since gained critical acclaim and a cult following, as it is considered one of the best movies of that decade.
