Swami

Basu Chatterjee's 'Swami' may initially feel like another typical family drama from the 70s. Against her will, the heroine, Saudamini, is married off to the eldest son of the family. Her new home turns out to be dominated by her stepmother-in-law and stepsiblings-in-law who ill-treat Saudamini's husband. Sound familiar? However, what really makes the difference is the writing. It's no surprise that the film is adapted from Sharatchandra Chatterji's novel as the content is rich in character, depth and poetry. The characters are brilliantly defined and the story is well layered. Saudamini's in-laws are greedy, self-centered and gossipmongers but they are portrayed as humans rather than caricatures. Even their mistreatment towards Ghanshyam is depicted quite differently. They are nice and 'sweet' to him while taking advantage of his naivety and ignoring him when convenient.

Most of Chatterjee's films (Sharatchandra Chatterji's novels) have a strong female lead and so does 'Swami'. This is the highpoint of the film and the main reason that makes it stand out among other films of its kind. Saudamini is no pushover and she doesn't let her cruel in-laws walk all over her. Nor does she refrain from protesting against those who insult her. At the same time, she isn't shown to be the typical Bollywood heroine who fights back through calculating means.

Chatterjee's use of subtlety contributes beautifully. The dialogues are outstanding. 'A sin is no longer a sin when you ask for forgiveness with a pure heart' is one that echos at the end of the film and lingers in mind. With the exception of the Dharmendra - Hema Malini item number, the songs work splendidly adding to the lyrical flow and are used efficiently. The art direction is solid as the sets and costumes look authentic.

Shabana Azmi delivers yet another tour du force subtle performance. As good as her fellow co-stars are (Girish Karnad and Utpal Dutt are brilliant) Azmi very much carries the film with strong, nuanced and quiet acting. She also looks incredibly beautiful. 'Swami' is easily another film that showcases this immensely gifted actress's talent.

Told and lead by a strong young lady, this is a superb little film that deals with themes like acceptance, forgiveness, stamina, truth and strength. Basu Chatterjee has made another fine piece of cinema.

Another great movie from Basu Bhattaharya. This movie propounds the Indian thought that the place of a wife is in her husband's home and her happiness lies in remaining happy with her man whatever the past may hold.

Saudamini, played by Shabana, is in love with Narendra (Vikram) but is married off to Ghanshyam (Girish Karnad). She remains unhappy in her husband's home as her heart is still with Narendra. Narendra also wants her to come with him and she even agrees to to it. The film deals with this rather controversial theme very sensitively.

The music is superb with a only a few but very good songs. "Ka Karoon Sajni (What should I do My Friend)" and "Pal Bhar Mein Yeh Kya Ho Gaya (What has this happened within the moment)" take the cake.

The cast guarantees excellent portrayal of all characters. Even Vikram manages to pull off a good performance. Dheeraj Kumar is delightful in a lovable cameo.

Watch this movie and you will be compelled to think twice about what happiness and content in a married life means.

Basu Chatterjee, who in my books is one of the finest Indian directors of his time, directed Swami with a lot of heart. An adaptation of Sharat Chandra Chatterji's famous novel by the same name, Swami is an interesting dramatic feature which follows the trials and tribulations of a young and intelligent village girl named Saudamini. Saudamini is in love with the landowner's son Naren, and she hopes to marry him one day, but circumstances make her marry another man: a kindhearted and restrained wheat trader named Ghanshyam, who lives in a neighbouring village. The movie then presents Saudamini's new life as a newly married woman at a house where she knows nobody while she is still aching over her separation from her childhood love. At the same time, it shows Saudamini's acclimation in the house and how she gradually grows to respect and love her husband, whose forgiving and patient nature changes her views and attitude.

The story of Swami has been told many a time since then, so much that it has become a Hindi movie formula. Films like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Dhadkan, among others, are examples of famous movies dealing with the same subject. But director Chatterjee's portrayal of the story remains unique and special. As expected, Swami looks authentic and simple. The dialogues may be a bit weak at points, but overall the movie's serene narrative style is very engaging. Chatterjee's excellent direction and the effective development of the story are aided by a haunting background score, some fantastic melodious songs composed by Rajesh Roshan, and of course a great cast led by an impossibly beautiful Shabana Azmi, who once again lives up to her fame as a naturally gifted actor. Azmi plays Saudamini with depth, convincingly displaying her sorrow and disappointment, and successfully registering the growth in her character.

"A crime is no longer a crime when you ask for forgiveness with a clean heart" - this is one of many great lines in the movie and is certainly my favourite. Girish Karnad is the one who says it, and well, he is brilliant in an understated performance which is very credible and moving. Swami is overall a very fine movie featuring a wonderful performance by a ceaselessly talented lady named Shabana Azmi.

"Swami" is based on a story written by the Bengali novelist, Sharat Chandra Chattopadhaya, whose many works have been made into movies, like Devdas, Parineeta, Apne Paraye, all dealing with the social issues. Very few film makers pick the rich literary work to the big screen and do justice to them. "Swami" is a nice effort in the league and becomes admirable for the tie it makes with the eastern values and culture.

"Swami" delves into the story of a woman who first dejects her family and husband and slowly understands the values of family and a marriage. The story is far behind today's life, where the society use to be male dominated with the males only the bread earners of the family and the women are mere the house wives though they might be educated. Due to the story, settings, and an average technical treatment the film has a bit faded look; and its slow pace makes it hard to keep up at instances. The music and photography aren't notable. However, except for few roles, there is a much of spontaneity in the characters, especially that shown in Girish Karnad's family, where the disputes are over small things of life like the daily chores of the kitchen. The simplicity of the film is able to touch you. Girish Karnad and Shabana Azmi both look spontaneous in their roles. Vikram looks weak. It's the realization of the eastern values and culture with a simplicity in the story that makes the film adorable. Though the story doesn't reflect today's realities where the husband and wife both make a livelihood, it still offers the roots of our society.

Rating: 2 stars out of 4