'Swades' Movie Review
‘Swades’
Analysing the structures, hierarchies, dogmas and beliefs that form Indian society is a complex matter. It requires an understanding of the sacred texts and religions, traditions and customs, norms and practices, ideologies and outlooks, and also of the various events in which Indian society is rooted. The colonisation of India by the British is one such event. The hegemonies imposed on India resulted in the dominance of Western thought and education and prepared the country for the economic competition that the world was tending towards. This caused a major shift from the rigid ways of the caste system and new classes seemed to emerge propelled by financial power. The beliefs that had dominated society for hundreds of years underwent dynamic changes and many superstitions and myths were exposed.
Despite the fundamental changes that swept the country and re-arranged its long established social framework, modern India still takes refuge in the ancient wisdom of its forefathers. It is now comprised of both western and eastern elements that are locked in a constant struggle to achieve dominance. I have chosen the movie Swades for exactly this reason. Directed by Ashutosh Gowarikar and starring Shahrukh Khan, the movie follows the story of a non-resident Indian (Mohan) living in the United States of America and working for NASA. He decides to come home to the village in which he was raised and the consequent series of events that occur leave him with a strong sense of patriotism and duty toward his own country. 70% of the Indian population is estimated to be living in villages and rural set-ups. The movie reveals that the standard of living and literacy rates in most villages are low and scope for improving the current circumstances are hindered by orthodox and backward ideals. Mohan’s return to India unfolds as a quest geared towards finding his roots. He is aided on his journey by Kaveri amma who helped raise him and by Geeta, the girl who he eventually
Analysing the structures, hierarchies, dogmas and beliefs that form Indian society is a complex matter. It requires an understanding of the sacred texts and religions, traditions and customs, norms and practices, ideologies and outlooks, and also of the various events in which Indian society is rooted. The colonisation of India by the British is one such event. The hegemonies imposed on India resulted in the dominance of Western thought and education and prepared the country for the economic competition that the world was tending towards. This caused a major shift from the rigid ways of the caste system and new classes seemed to emerge propelled by financial power. The beliefs that had dominated society for hundreds of years underwent dynamic changes and many superstitions and myths were exposed.
Despite the fundamental changes that swept the country and re-arranged its long established social framework, modern India still takes refuge in the ancient wisdom of its forefathers. It is now comprised of both western and eastern elements that are locked in a constant struggle to achieve dominance. I have chosen the movie Swades for exactly this reason. Directed by Ashutosh Gowarikar and starring Shahrukh Khan, the movie follows the story of a non-resident Indian (Mohan) living in the United States of America and working for NASA. He decides to come home to the village in which he was raised and the consequent series of events that occur leave him with a strong sense of patriotism and duty toward his own country. 70% of the Indian population is estimated to be living in villages and rural set-ups. The movie reveals that the standard of living and literacy rates in most villages are low and scope for improving the current circumstances are hindered by orthodox and backward ideals. Mohan’s return to India unfolds as a quest geared towards finding his roots. He is aided on his journey by Kaveri amma who helped raise him and by Geeta, the girl who he eventually