Story
In 1551, during the matriarchal era, the Virajitha dynasty was ruled by its queen (Ritu Varma), where women held power and men were required to wear veils. The king (Sree Vishnu), however, orchestrates a coup to overthrow the matriarchy, establishing a patriarchy under his Swaganika dynasty. He appoints a minister (Goparaju Ramana) and his lineage to protect the wealth and ensure it is passed on to the rightful male heir of the dynasty. In the present day, three men—unaware of each other but sharing a striking resemblance across three generations—receive invitations to claim the inherited wealth. The rest of the story unravels what happens when they meet and whether it introduces an unexpected twist.
Artists Performance
Sree Vishnu elevates his performance in this film, taking on multiple roles with ease and delivering a standout performance, especially in a surprise twist that showcases his range. His portrayal of SI Bhavabhuti, a complex character, shows the depth of preparation, and he fully trusts the director’s vision, giving one of his best performances to date. This film firmly establishes him as a serious and accomplished actor to watch. Ritu Varma convincingly handles two roles, exuding regality as a queen and displaying great variation in her contemporary role. Meera Jasmine shines in a pivotal role, while Daksha Nagarkar adds glamour. Goparaju Ramana excels as the guardian of the wealth, and Ravi Babu convincingly plays a positive role. Sunil also impresses in another key role. Saranya Pradeep, Getup Srinu and Pruthviraj are good.
Story - screenplay - direction: The story offers an intriguing exploration of gender and lineage, and writer-director Hasith Goli deserves credit for crafting a thought-provoking narrative. He cleverly structures the screenplay so that three characters from three consecutive generations, who are unaware of each other, play pivotal roles, with an unexpected interval twist adding to the intrigue. The film begins on a light note, introducing the four main characters in a timely way during the first half. SI Bhavabhuti's character has negative traits, but also generates satirical humor through his subplot (like the egg-cracking metaphor for miscarriages). Singa’s character, an Instagram influencer doing funny stunts for views, adds more fun.
However, while dealing with such a complex subject, it's crucial to present the screenplay in a way that's easy for the average viewer to follow. Unfortunately, Hasith Goli complicates the narrative, making it somewhat confusing. Writing look-alike characters from different generations is challenging, and while there is solid backstory and depth for two characters, the execution falters. The discussion on gender toward the climax is commendable, but stories like this require clearer storytelling with a touch of humor. Hasith Goli missed the chance to effectively bring a strong story to life on screen.
Other departments: Music director Vivek Sagar delivers commendable work with the background score, though most of the songs feel unnecessary for a story of this nature. Vedaraman Sankaran’s cinematography is solid, and GM Shekar, as the production designer, does an excellent job creating sets that span four generations, including the king’s era. Editing by Viplav Nyshadham is adequate. Hasith Goli has crafted well-written dialogues that are both thought-provoking and satirical. The production values by People Media Factory are top-notch, enhancing the film's overall quality.
Analysis: SWAG is a well-written story by Hasith Goli, but it is presented in a way that may only resonate with mature audiences who can fully grasp and appreciate it. The first half has a playful tone, while the second half delves into the core subject. A simpler screenplay and narration would have made it more accessible to the average moviegoer. The interval brings an unexpected twist, shifting the entire direction of the second half, catching audiences off guard. Overall, SWAG boasts a strong story and a standout performance from Sree Vishnu, but a more universally appealing narrative could have brought it closer to a wider audience.
