Swades (Hindi स्वदेश) - We, the people (2004) is an Indian film written, produced and directed by Ashutosh Gowariker. This Bollywood movie stars Shah Rukh Khan and film newcomer Gayatri Joshi. Music is byA. R. Rahman, lyrics by Javed Akhtar and costume design by Bhanu Athaiya. Swades was also released in Tamil as Desam (தேசம்)

Tagline : "We, the people."

Plot

A NASA project manager, Mohan Bhargav (played by Shah Rukh Khan) is an NRI who misses his home nation, India. He decides to come home to find his former nanny, Kaveriamma, (played by Kishori Balal) and take her back with him to the States. In his quest to find his nanny, Mohan encounters a childhood friend, Gita (played by Gayatri Joshi), who teaches primary school in a rural village in India. As is usual in romances, they clash initially but eventually fall in love.

The movie contrasts the high-tech world of NASA and the colorful world of developing India, while at the same time exploring the nature of 'home'. Mohan sees the best of India, as well as the worst: the poverty, the prevailing caste system and lack of education. The course of his life changes when he decides to chip in and do whatever he can

Some critics have claimed that the plot of Swades was inspired by the earlier Kannada movie, Chigurida Kanasu, which starred Shivrajkumar.

What audiences and critics thought of Swades

Swades opened in India and abroad to mixed reviews; N.R.I.s liked the movie more than those still residing in India. The film was more popular in the cities than it was in the villages.

• Taran Adarsh, the IndiaFM.com reviewer and a prominent box office analyst, wrote that Swades was disappointing, and that the plot stagnates after the first 30 minutes. However, Adarsh often receives criticism from readers and film-lovers who believe he bases his ratings more on a film's box office potential than its actual artistic merit.

• Planetbollywood.com called it an inspirational and educational film, and one that needed to be made.

Awards & Nominations

Awards :
2005 - Filmfare Awards.
Best Actor - Shah Rukh Khan.
Best Female Debut (Bollywood Award) - .
Best Lyrics - Javed Akthar.
Best Background score - A. R. Rahman.

Nominations :
Best Film.
Best Director.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack features 7 songs and 2 instrumental pieces by A. R. Rahman

• Yeh Tara Woh Tara - Udit Narayan, Master Vignesh, Baby Pooja & Kids
• Saanwariya Saanwariya - Alka Yagnik
• Yun Hi Chala Chal - Udit Narayan, Hariharan & Kailash Kher
• Aahista Aahista - Udit Narayan & Sadhana Sargam
• Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera - A. R. Rahman
• Pal Pal Hai Bhaari - Madhushree, Vijay Prakash & Ashutosh Gowariker
• Dekho Na - Alka Yagnik & Udit Narayan
• Pal Pal Hai Bhaari (Flute)
• Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera (Shehnai)

See also

Other movies from this director:

• Lagaan - Once upon a time in India.

• at The Internet Movie Database

Swades