Movie: SWAG
Rating: 2.25/5
Banner: People Media Factory
Cast: Sree Vishnu, Ritu Varma,Meera Jasmine, Daksha Nagarkar, Saranya Pradeep, Sunil, Ravi Babu, Getup Srinu, Gopa Raju Ramana and others
DOP: Vedaraman Sankaran
Music: Vivek Sagar
Editor: Viplav Nyshadam
Art Director: GM Shekar
Stunts: Nandu Master
Co-Producer: Vivek Kuchibotla
Produced by: T.G. Vishwa Prasad
Written and Directed by: Hasith Goli
Release Date: October 4, 2024
Sree Vishnu has made a name for himself by acting in diverse films and supporting new directors with innovative ideas. When he teamed up with director Hasith Goli for the second time after their previous hit Raja Raja Chora, it generated a lot of anticipation.
But does Swag live up to the expectations?
Story:
The story begins in 1551, when matriarchal rule was in place. Queen Rukhmini Devi (Ritu Varma) makes a decision that results in a curse on their family. So, in future generations, those who have a Swaganika Vamsam lineage can claim wealth.
In the present day, a police officer, Bhavabhooti (Sree Vishnu), tries every trick to claim the riches. But he doesn't have a 'palaka' to prove his lineage.
On the other hand, Singa (Sree Vishnu), a social media star, and Anubhooti (Ritu Varma) also claim to be the real heirs.
Who actually inherits wealth? Who is the one who can walk away with the riches?
Artistes’ Performances:
Playing four different roles is a challenge for any actor. Kamal Haasan not only took on four roles in Michael Madana Kamaraju, but also portrayed ten in Dasavatharam. Now, Sree Vishnu has attempted four roles with eight different looks.
Sree Vishnu deserves praise for his ability to take on multiple characters, including one that most Telugu actors might shy away from. In the ‘Vibhuti’ character, he is outstanding, excelling particularly in this role. The other roles are just passable.
Ritu Varma also plays two roles and is effective as the queen. Meera Jasmine has a substantial character.
Sunil, Daksha Nagarkar, Saranya Pradeep, Ravi Babu, Getup Srinu, and Gopa Raju Ramana have all done justice to their roles.
Technical Excellence:
The producers have invested heavily in sets and visual effects to recreate the royal era. The cinematographer and production designers have given their best efforts. However, the film falls short when it comes to the music.
Highlights:
Sree Vishnu’s performance as Vibhuti
The final message
Drawback:
Confusing narrative
Boring moments in second half
Analysis
Swag begins on a lighthearted note, introducing Sree Vishnu as a submissive king under the rule of Queen Ritu Varma. The sequences are entertaining, with men covering their faces with veils and women making all the decisions in the year 1551. The story then shifts to the present day, introducing a host of new characters, including Sree Vishnu in four additional roles and Ritu Varma and Meera Jasmine in contemporary settings.
Initially, the story touches on matrilineal and patrilineal societies, but its focus shifts to gender discrimination rather than exploring those concepts deeply.
Director Hasith Goli chose to start the narrative in 1551 and connect it to modern characters fighting for inheritance rights, which gave the film an interesting premise on paper.
At its core, the story is inventive, but as the movie progresses, the narration becomes convoluted and confusing.
With Sree Vishnu portraying four main roles, another role in a flashback, and appearing in various avatars, along with revealing a backstory involving Meera Jasmine and another lengthy subplot about a character named Vibhuti, the plot becomes overly complex.
As a result, the film shifts from its entertaining tone to a more serious one, becoming increasingly muddled. As Sree Vishnu’s multiple characters converge to claim an inheritance, the film loses its entertaining charm and focuses more on delivering a message about gender equality.
One of the main issues is the overexposure of Sree Vishnu in multiple roles, as he appears in almost every scene. Aside from the Vibhuti role and, to some extent, the police character, his other roles lack depth and intrigue.
While Sree Vishnu’s performance and effort are commendable, it feels as though he is imitating Kamal Haasan’s Dasavatharam. The songs also detract from the film, and the subplot between Sree Vishnu’s Singa character and Daksha Nagarkar adds little value.
Overall, Swag has an interesting concept and showcases Sree Vishnu’s impressive efforts in playing four different characters, but it ends up being an average film. Despite its unique storyline, the narration is not entirely engaging.
Bottom line: Different B
