After a long time, a simple story of simple people and their simple desires. Choreographer-turned-director
Ganesh Acharya's "Swami" that releases Friday documents the emotional journey of a man and the
importance of family in his life.
Set in a village in South India, the film revolves around Swami (Manoj Bajpai) who understands the meaning
of compassion, humility and patience. He lives with his wife Radha (Juhi Chawla).
Swami has a childlike fascination for Rs.5 coins, which he loves to collect and swears never to spend them.
He also has a long cherished dream of owning a rocking chair. But he never expresses it because he knows
he cannot afford it.
Radha discovers Swami's secret by chance and asks him to use his collection of Rs.5 coins to buy the
chair but he refuses.
On the other hand, Radha's favourite way of passing time is to watch TV. She is thrilled by the visuals of tall
buildings, bridges, cars and roads in the US. Her only dream is that her son Anand gets the best education
so he can get a job in the US.
She asks Swami to take up a job in Mumbai. He agrees and the family moves to Mumbai. Anand is a bright
young boy and has the determination to fulfil his parents' dreams.
But life's unpredictability catches up. Radha falls sick and dies. After her death, Swami devotes all his time
to his son who finally manages to get a job in the US but refuses to accept the offer because the company
does not provide a visa to his father.
Will Anand go to the US and fulfil his mother's dream? What will happen to Swami?
The film's subject is quite touching and Acharya has chosen the right actors to carry the gamut of emotions
on screen. Lets see if the film's emotive content sways the audience.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007 10:45 IST