‘Swag’ Movie Review: Much to Appreciate, Yet Lacking in Wow Factor.

“Swag” goes beyond being merely a plot-driven film; it carries a powerful message that resonates throughout. Additionally, it presents a variety of characters, each with their own unique backstories that enrich the narrative.

A group of strangers finds themselves in a competition to validate their connections to a family tree that dates back over 400 years and boasts of ancestral wealth. Hasith Goli’s “Swag” features a quirky premise, unfolding across multiple timelines and adhering to its own unique logic. The director, known for “Raja Raja Chora,” deserves recognition for his ambitious approach. However, this ambition doesn’t fully translate into effective storytelling. “Swag” is not merely plot-driven; it also carries a significant message, while introducing various characters and their backstories.

Despite what the film’s marketing might suggest, “Swag” isn’t a comedy. It struggles to navigate the realm of satire as well. The film presents its eccentric tale of greed and obsession with lineage in a straightforward manner, lacking the dark humor and critique of oppression or patriarchy for much of its duration. When it does touch on these themes, it often veers into preachiness. This concept demands substantial development, and while Hasith Goli deserves credit for his bold effort in his second film, there’s much to admire, yet little that truly captivates.

“Swag” also unfolds as a broad narrative, spanning generations and eras. Once the film reaches its midpoint and establishes the main characters and their connections, the filmmaker’s intentions regarding gender hierarchy and oppression become clear. With the message laid bare and the characters poised for redemption and growth, there’s little left for the story to explore.

For a story like this to resonate effectively, the characters needed to be crafted with more depth. Hasith Goli seems to direct most of his emotional focus towards two characters—Revathi (Meera Jasmine) and Yayathi’s youngest child. Given the film’s expansive narrative, it’s understandable that developing a strong foundation for each character is challenging. However, this results in a disconnect, making it hard to grasp the motivations of several characters. For example, Bhavabhuti’s contempt for girl children is never adequately explained. Similarly, Ritu Varma’s character, Anubhuti, is perplexing; she embodies a ‘bad feminist’ archetype. Initially introduced as an independent woman, she later struggles with the idea of relying on a man’s income. Yet, her version of feminism seems limited to her own independence, lacking empathy for other women. This preachy tone feels misplaced and chaotic. While the film has noble intentions, it falls short in articulating its message effectively. On a positive note, Vivek Sagar’s music adds an energetic layer to a narrative that often feels unsteady.

One of the film’s most poignant moments features a young boy from a traditional background who dreams of learning classical dance. Despite his fear of his father, the support from his sisters almost compensates for his struggles. In a touching visual, the sisters remove one of their bangles and pass it to their brother, creating a powerful image that resonates deeply. The camera lingers beautifully from one sibling to the next, emphasizing the idea that progress comes from mutual support and compassion.

Sree Vishnu stands out as the undeniable highlight of this film. The actor, known for his role in Mental Madhilo, clearly enjoys portraying the diverse looks and prosthetics of multiple characters. However, it is his performance as Bhavabhuti’s twin sibling that truly showcases his talent. In the second half of the film, he brings a remarkable vulnerability to his role, enhancing the emotional depth of the story and keeping the audience engaged. This adds a significant poignancy to the narrative without veering into overly sentimental territory.

In the latter part of the film, it feels almost like a solo performance by Sree Vishnu. As the plot unfolds, Swag becomes increasingly entangled in its own complexities, struggling to balance whimsy, drama, and social commentary. It is during Sree Vishnu’s standout moments that the film comes closest to achieving its full potential.

SWAG

Cast: Sree Vishnu, Ritu Varma, Meera Jasmine, Saranya Pradeep, Daksha Nagarkar

Director: Hasith Goli

Rating: 2.5/5