Swarg

I watched this movie multiple times in the past but watched this movie on 12th March 2022 at Amazon Prime Video with english subtitles. Tthe whole cast acted amazingly in this movie. The dialogues were very well written. What touched me is the background score! The entire background score was in Raag Shivaranjani. It was just so touching ! Ae Mere Dost Laut Ke Aaja was in this raag and it was melodiously sung by Mohd Aziz.

I don't mind watching this movie another million times as the background score and the story was superb!

Bravo to Govinda and to Late Rajesh Khanna. These days we salivate to watch a dynamic duo of this calibre. Yesteryears is when one was actually putting out a performance compared to now which is all about glamour and most of all very little of acting, or rather with any substance, if any.

I never knew David dhawan who is known for directing comedy films had made an emotional family drama titled Swarg. It narrates the story of Kumar Saab(Rajesh Khanna), a successful industrialist living happily in his mansion named Swarg with his wife Janaki(Madhavi) along with his step siblings whose mother he had promised that for their well being he won't have his own child. He also has a servant Krishna (Govinda) who is very loyal towards him. All the happiness disappears when Kumar's business rival Dhanraj(Paresh Rawal) puts fire in his factory leading him to severe financial loss. After his failure, the step brothers started showing their true colors by not lending him any kind of support. When the brothers blame Krishna for stealing their sister Jyoti's (Juhi Chawla) necklace, Kumar despite knowing Krishna's innocence with a heavy heart throws him out of the house so that he could move on in life instead of being a part of their suffering. Despite being thrown out Krishna still has respect towards his master and hopes to return to him successful. When the swarg mansion gets auctioned, janaki dies heartbroken and Kumar and jyoti shift to an old house. Krishna later enters films and becomes a successful actor. Rest of the film is how Krishna brings back his master's lost glory. The biggest plus point of swarg is Rajesh khanna and Govinda's performance. Rajesh khanna gives a dignified performance as Kumar Saab. Govinda proves that he is not just king of comedy but also king of emotions. His performance in emotional scenes can move anyone. The drawback I felt is that the director showed Krishna's journey towards stardom like a bed of roses. He easily gets a home to live, gets easily a job as a spotboy enters film and instantly becomes superstar. Also most of the scenes gives you a feeling of a TV serial. On the whole if you watch swarg with a mind that this was made in 90s which was fine at that time then you would like it.

Khanna, in one of his later roles, delivers a masterclass in restrained anguish, his eyes conveying volumes where dialogue falters. Govinda, pre-celebrity as the 90s' "Hero No. 1," showcases surprising nuance, balancing his trademark humor with tender vulnerability. Their dynamic evolves organically, from wary tension to paternal affection, avoiding clichéd sentimentality. Juhi Chawla, though underutilized, radiates warmth, her character serving as the moral compass bridging two disparate worlds.

Dhawan's direction here is uncharacteristically somber, favoring muted visuals and deliberate pacing that mirror the protagonist's internal stagnation. The film's aesthetic-shadowy mansions contrasted with vibrant street scenes-reflects the clash between privilege and authenticity. Lahiri's soundtrack, particularly the soulful "Kaate Nahi Kat Te", transcends era-specific synth beats, becoming a narrative device that underscores pivotal emotional shifts.

Swarg was director David Dhawan's first hit. It was reported that initially Rajesh Khanna was hesitant to wear a wig for the role but later agreed.

It is the usual tale of a family getting divided & getting united by the servant. It is surprising that such a wealthy businessman becomes bankrupt when his factory is consigned to flames. Did he not insure the firm? However, logic in commercial cinema is usually not considered.

The film is a clean family entertainer with tear jerking scenes which appealed to the family audiences, particularly ladies. Madhavi & Juhi Chawla look beautiful & have done well.

Rajesh Khanna gives a matured performance which is only expected from an actor of his stature. But the scene stealer is Givinda who has given a memorable performance be it in comedy timing, dancing or melodrama.

Rajesh Khanna goes practically missing in the 2nd half, surfacing only towards the climax.

The songs are good, not great & other production values are OK.

The film was a hit mainly because it drew in the family audiences to the theatres.