Swami (1977) User Reviews (6)

"A crime is no longer a crime when you ask for forgiveness with a clean heart"

[Peter_Young · 7/10 · 10 December 2010]

Basu Chatterjee, who in my books is one of the finest Indian directors of his time, directed Swami with a lot of heart. An adaptation of Sharat Chandra Chatterji's famous novel by the same name, Swami is an interesting dramatic feature which follows the trials and tribulations of a young and intelligent village girl named Saudamini. Saudamini is in love with the landowner's son Naren, and she hopes to marry him one day, but circumstances make her marry another man: a kindhearted and restrained wheat trader named Ghanshyam, who lives in a neighbouring village. The movie then presents Saudamini's new life as a newly married woman at a house where she knows nobody while she is still aching over her separation from her childhood love. At the same time, it shows Saudamini's acclimation in the house and how she gradually grows to respect and love her husband, whose forgiving and patient nature changes her views and attitude.

The story of Swami has been told many a time since then, so much that it has become a Hindi movie formula. Films like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Dhadkan, among others, are examples of famous movies dealing with the same subject. But director Chatterjee's portrayal of the story remains unique and special. As expected, Swami looks authentic and simple. The dialogues may be a bit weak at points, but overall the movie's serene narrative style is very engaging. Chatterjee's excellent direction and the effective development of the story are aided by a haunting background score, some fantastic melodious songs composed by Rajesh Roshan, and of course a great cast led by an impossibly beautiful Shabana Azmi, who once again lives up to her fame as a naturally gifted actor. Azmi plays Saudamini with depth, convincingly displaying her sorrow and disappointment, and successfully registering the growth in her character.

"A crime is no longer a crime when you ask for forgiveness with a clean heart" - this is one of many great lines in the movie and is certainly my favourite. Girish Karnad is the one who says it, and well, he is brilliant in an understated performance which is very credible and moving. Swami is overall a very fine movie featuring a wonderful performance by a ceaselessly talented lady named Shabana Azmi.

A nice endeavour in emanating a rich literary work with the roots of our values......

[SumanShakya · 6/10 · 21 October 2016]

"Swami" is based on a story written by the Bengali novelist, Sharat Chandra Chattopadhaya, whose many works have been made into movies, like Devdas, Parineeta, Apne Paraye, all dealing with the social issues. Very few film makers pick the rich literary work to the big screen and do justice to them. "Swami" is a nice effort in the league and becomes admirable for the tie it makes with the eastern values and culture.

"Swami" delves into the story of a woman who first dejects her family and husband and slowly understands the values of family and a marriage. The story is far behind today's life, where the society use to be male dominated with the males only the bread earners of the family and the women are mere the house wives though they might be educated. Due to the story, settings, and an average technical treatment the film has a bit faded look; and its slow pace makes it hard to keep up at instances. The music and photography aren't notable. However, except for few roles, there is a much of spontaneity in the characters, especially that shown in Girish Karnad's family, where the disputes are over small things of life like the daily chores of the kitchen. The simplicity of the film is able to touch you. Girish Karnad and Shabana Azmi both look spontaneous in their roles. Vikram looks weak. It's the realization of the eastern values and culture with a simplicity in the story that makes the film adorable. Though the story doesn't reflect today's realities where the husband and wife both make a livelihood, it still offers the roots of our society.

Rating: 2 stars out of 4

'A sin is no longer a sin when you ask for forgiveness with a pure heart'

[Chrysanthepop · 22 August 2011]

Basu Chatterjee's 'Swami' may initially feel like another typical family drama from the 70s. Against her will, the heroine, Saudamini, is married off to the eldest son of the family. Her new home turns out to be dominated by her stepmother-in-law and stepsiblings-in-law who ill-treat Saudamini's husband. Sound familiar? However, what really makes the difference is the writing. It's no surprise that the film is adapted from Sharatchandra Chatterji's novel as the content is rich in character, depth and poetry. The characters are brilliantly defined and the story is well layered. Saudamini's in-laws are greedy, self-centered and gossipmongers but they are portrayed as humans rather than caricatures. Even their mistreatment towards Ghanshyam is depicted quite differently. They are nice and 'sweet' to him while taking advantage of his naivety and ignoring him when convenient.

Most of Chatterjee's films (Sharatchandra Chatterji's novels) have a strong female lead and so does 'Swami'. This is the highpoint of the film and the main reason that makes it stand out among other films of its kind. Saudamini is no pushover and she doesn't let her cruel in-laws walk all over her. Nor does she refrain from protesting against those who insult her. At the same time, she isn't shown to be the typical Bollywood heroine who fights back through calculating means.

Chatterjee's use of subtlety contributes beautifully. The dialogues are outstanding. 'A sin is no longer a sin when you ask for forgiveness with a pure heart' is one that echos at the end of the film and lingers in mind. With the exception of the Dharmendra - Hema Malini item number, the songs work splendidly adding to the lyrical flow and are used efficiently. The art direction is solid as the sets and costumes look authentic.

Shabana Azmi delivers yet another tour du force subtle performance. As good as her fellow co-stars are (Girish Karnad and Utpal Dutt are brilliant) Azmi very much carries the film with strong, nuanced and quiet acting. She also looks incredibly beautiful. 'Swami' is easily another film that showcases this immensely gifted actress's talent.

Told and lead by a strong young lady, this is a superb little film that deals with themes like acceptance, forgiveness, stamina, truth and strength. Basu Chatterjee has made another fine piece of cinema.

What a movie !!

[Madhup · 9/10 · 1 July 1999]

Another great movie from Basu Bhattaharya. This movie propounds the Indian thought that the place of a wife is in her husband's home and her happiness lies in remaining happy with her man whatever the past may hold.

Saudamini, played by Shabana, is in love with Narendra (Vikram) but is married off to Ghanshyam (Girish Karnad). She remains unhappy in her husband's home as her heart is still with Narendra. Narendra also wants her to come with him and she even agrees to to it. The film deals with this rather controversial theme very sensitively.

The music is superb with a only a few but very good songs. "Ka Karoon Sajni (What should I do My Friend)" and "Pal Bhar Mein Yeh Kya Ho Gaya (What has this happened within the moment)" take the cake.

The cast guarantees excellent portrayal of all characters. Even Vikram manages to pull off a good performance. Dheeraj Kumar is delightful in a lovable cameo.

Watch this movie and you will be compelled to think twice about what happiness and content in a married life means.

A very satisfying realistic film.

[sauravjoshi85 · 9/10 · 10 June 2023]

Swami is a romance drama film directed by Basu Chatterjee. The film stars Late Girish Karnad, Shabana Azmi, Vikram, Late Sudha Shivpuri, Late Shashikala and late Utpal Dutt.

Saudamini falls in love with Narendra but her family gets her married to Ghanshyam. Later, as she tries to adjust to her new house and troublesome in-laws, she finds a confidante in her husband.

One of the most satisfying film i have seen. The best part of the film is that the film looks very natural and realistic and is far away from that typical loud masala films which was very much prevalent at that in Hindi cinema.

The treatment toward step son by his step mother in which the mother who although doesn't like his step son but still speaks with him in a very sugar coated way as step son is not only the eldest but also the most earning member of the family and this looks very realistic.

Acting is superb and both Shabana Azmi and Girish Karnad were marvelous in their respective roles. Utpal Dutt was also equally impressive. Rest all the characters were also good.

Screenplay of the film is good and songs of the film is superb. The BGM of the film is also very nice and the climax gives a befitting end to the film.

A must watch film if you are willing to watch some very realistic film.

Existential dilemma

[jnswamy · 19 November 2017]

Swami is as much a story of the protagonist Mini's existential dilemma as it is of her love choices.

The headstrong and individualistic Mini (played by Shabana) ends up marrying a soft spoken and mild mannered man, her 'Swami' (played by Karnad) due to a twist of circumstances and the social mores of the earlier era in which the film is set. However her lack of love for her Swami does not deter Mini from raising her voice against the injustice meted out to him and incurring the wrath of his joint family members. Things get complicated when the ex lover arrives and she decides to flee from her marital life. While her realization on the value of her 'Swami' at this juncture and the predictable decision she makes, is a foregone conclusion, where the movie scores is the deft manner in which Basu Chatterjee narrates it, ably aided by a superb Shabana Azmi who synthesizes visibly Mini's streak for outspokenness with her ability to empathize! Karnad and Vikram in supporting roles are just that - supporting actors! A special mention is warranted for Rajesh Roshan - be it Yesudas's Ka karoon sajni or Kishore's 'Yaadon mein tum' or Lata's 'Pal bhar mein" the music is outstanding! It helps that the songs are situational especially for a movie made in the seventies!

The existential dilemma, the underlying subtext of Mini's saga is what elevates the movie from 'good' to 'great'. While accepting her 'Swami' resolves the marital vs. pre-marital conflict - her quest to have her own identity, a life that is more cerebral than mundane, still remains unfulfilled. The movie starts with her telling us of her foolishness to run away but what comes through is the futility she feels of her own existence which even by the limited choice she has exercised does not fulfill her higher aspirations!