Cast: Sree Vishnu, Ritu Sharma, Daksha Nagarkar, Meera Jasmine, Sunil, Getup Srinu, Ravi Babu, Gopiraju Raman, Sharanya Pradeep, and others
Written and Directed by: Hasith Goli
Music by: Vivek Sagar
Cinematography: Vedaraman Shankaran
Editing by: Viplav
Producer: T.G. Viswaprasad
Release Date: October 4, 2024
After the super hit ‘Raja Raja Chora‘, Sree Vishnu stars in the latest film ‘Swag‘, directed by Hasith Goli. Featuring Ritu Varma, Meera Jasmine, and Daksha Nagarkar as the female leads, the already released trailers, teasers, and promotional images have heightened expectations. Released to audiences on October 4, did this film manage to impress? Did the Sree Vishnu-Hasith Goli combo deliver another hit? Let’s find out in this review.
Plot
The story of ‘Swag’ revolves around a lineage during the 1550s, a time marked by struggles for dominance between men and women. Bhavabhuti Maharaj (Sree Vishnu) devises a plan to confine his queen (Ritu Varma) and succeeds, subsequently bringing all the women in the kingdom under his control. As time progresses, Bhavabhuti’s lineage continues with only daughters until twin boys are born. Bhavabhuti decides to gift one of his sons to his friend (Sunil), who has no sons. The lineage becomes dispersed over time. Cut to the present, the fortune belonging to the Swaganika lineage is securely kept, waiting to be passed to the rightful heir. Several claimants arrive, declaring themselves the descendants. Who are they really? Does the fortune find its rightful owner? To know more, one must watch the movie.
Performances
Young actor Sree Vishnu dazzles with his performance, portraying five roles including Bhavabhuti Maharaj, Yabhuti, Bhavabhuti, Vibhuti, and Singa. He connects emotionally with the audience as Yabhuti and entertains as Bhavabhuti. Ritu Varma impresses with her performance. Meera Jasmine, making her re-entry into Telugu cinema after 11 years, adequately delivers her role. Daksha Nagarkar marks her presence with her glamour, though her role lacks depth. Despite the presence of seasoned actors like Ravi Babu and Sunil, their roles do not stand out as the film primarily revolves around Sree Vishnu. The rest of the cast performed adequately.
Direction
Director Hasith Goli chose an interesting point for the film but the execution appears quite chaotic. The first half of the film leaves the audience puzzled for about 40 minutes until the comedy provides some relief. The director interestingly showcases Bhavabhuti’s flashback and leads into the story well. The interval block may seem a bit messy but is passable. The first half overall can be described as average. Coming to the second half, the way Yabhuti’s flashback is designed impresses the audience. Some double-meaning dialogues manage to evoke laughter. However, the climax again ends in confusion. The director concludes the film with a line indicating that gender discrimination is a blight on society, but the film feels abruptly ended, leaving a sense of incompleteness. The screenplay is quite confusing and demands full attention to grasp the storyline.
Technically
On the technical front, Vivek Sagar’s music and background score are highlights, adding value to the film. The cinematography is also commendable. Editing is decent, and the production values are high, offering a rich output despite a modest budget.
Plus Points
– Story
– Sree Vishnu’s acting
– Comedy
Minus Points
– Confusing screenplay
– Slow narration
