Andhra Pradesh

Jagapati’s yet another sentimental family saga Film Review

Jagapati Babu and Anushka in the film.

Film: Swagatam

Cast: Jagapati Babu, Bhumika, Anushka

Direction: Dasaradh

There is no breaking new ground in Swagatam. It is the same old story of a woman dying of a chronic disease, wanting to see her husband married and child in safe hands.

The rest of the film’s footage is used for depicting the personalities of the characters of how they meet and how they part.

It is essentially a Jagapati Babu film but as usual he allows the women to take centre stage and downplays his role.

He plays the boss of a company who is obsessed with rules and regulations, likes and dislikes but slowly evolves into a more compromising and flexible character.

As he becomes a husband and father, his work here is quieter, less flamboyant but just as good.

Arjun as his friend makes an impact.

A death scene should be short, sweet and moving but here Bhumika just refuses to go. Bhumika’s work is endearing and Anushka as lady who is weighed down by family responsibilities justifies her role.

The first half bores you, there is no fluidity in any one scene and it is only post interval that the film gains momentum.

R.P. Patnaik disappoints with his music, only one number a remix of ‘Piya tu ab to aaja’ sounds good.

Dialogues are good in parts and screenplay is not up to the mark.

The movie could go well with those who fall for sentiment.

Family sagas have always been loved and cherished by the audiences but that doesn’t mean one wants to be reminded of Dasardh’s ‘Santosham’ or Jagapati’s ‘Maavichiguru’ all over again. ‘Swagatam’ or shall we say, ‘a welcome to a new beginning’ set in an American background seems to suggest suspense visually than it eventually delivers creatively

Y. SUNITA CHOWDHARY

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