SWADES – WE, THE PEOPLE
Presented by UTV Motion Pictures
After the revolutionary success of the Academy Award Nominated film Lagaan, its critically acclaimed writer, producer and director, Ashutosh Gowariker presents another magnum opus and one of the most eagerly anticipated films of the year, Swades – We, The People.
Swades is a contemporary and unconventional film that tells the story of a man’s quest for his inner self, sense of identity and his home, the story of a bright young scientist Mohan Bhargava working as a project manager in NASA (played eloquently by the undisputed king of Indian cinema, Shah Rukh Khan) who returns to his childhood home in India in search of his nanny, his epitome of motherhood. What was a simple mission, prompted by nostalgia and affection, turns into a journey into the heartland of rural India, both literally and metaphorically.
Gowariker’s script is groundbreaking in the subject matter it embarks upon commendably. His unique directorial abilities permeates the script of Swades in his effective and novel use of juxtapositions, as he contrasts the highly developed world of NASA, with a country at the crossroads of development. The cinematography of Swades displays the captivating and untouched beauty of rural India, with superb sophistication.
“Swades is a simple, effective and entertaining juxtaposition of the East and West. Its beauty lies in the fact that it is extremely earthy and identifiable, and has universal appeal” remarks Ashutosh Gowariker.
Following the success of commended films such as Lakshya, Fiza and Chalte Chalte, the Motion Pictures division of India’s largest integrated media major, UTV, is proud to present Swades. Part of the UTV Group, one of the most powerful and prominent integrated media and entertainment companies in India, known across Asia as an industry standard setter, innovator and pioneer for its cutting edge creativity, finesse and management depth, UTV Motion Pictures is pleased of their association with this pioneering film.
UTV Motion Pictures has spearheaded the Studio Model in the Indian Motion Picture Space. UTV Motion Pictures' expertise spans across production, distribution and marketing across a slate of multi genre films.
Also, UTV Motion Pictures’ release of Swades both nationally in India as well as in the overseas market marks the first ever widest and simultaneous release of a Hindi Film in India and internationally, with 275 prints of the film releasing.
Swades boasts an impressive film team, a culmination of unmatched talent, illuminated in every facet of the film. Shah Rukh Khan’s unparalleled engaging performance in Swades is poised to captivate his audience to unsurpassed heights. He performs the role of Mohan, a complex protagonist with strong personal beliefs, and sincere admiration. Being an actor who is versatile and with a commendable mix of roles to his credit, Shah Rukh Khan is the ideal candidate to incarnate Mohan and to exhibit the range of emotions the character demands.
Swades also sees the launch of debutant actress and model, Gayatri Joshi, in the role of Mohan’s re-united childhood companion Gita, the woman who in many ways plays the catalyst in helping Mohan forge the links between his two worlds.
The musical score of Swades sees the collaboration of the unparalleled maestro, A. R. Rahman, and the legendary lyricist Javed Akhtar. Undisputedly, every song in Swades is a gem, and after listening to the melodies, it becomes clear that the music was composed with soul and holds the golden token of appealing to everyone. As each song progresses we are privy to the musical melody that has classic A.R. Rahman running through and through. Swades sees the amalgamation of harmonious vocals by Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik, Hari Haran, Sadhna Sargam and Ashutosh Gowariker himself, which creates an incomparable bouquet of flair.
Swades releases world-wide on 17th December 2004. Distributed by UTV Motion Pictures, certificate (U), duration 210 minutes.
