When the maker of Lagaan and a superstar like Shah Rukh Khan get together in a film, the expectations are obviously soaring high. Thankfully, Swades lives upto the expectations. Though, Swades is distant from the usual Hindi commercial cinema and might not be targeted towards the masses, it has a flair and an artistic touch to it that makes it a movie worth-seeing. The film, about an NRI Mohan Bhargav, who comes to India and discovers the pathetic conditions that prevail in his country, holds the viewer mesmerised till the end. AR Rehman's musical genius is once again epitomised in Swades. The tracks Yun hi chala (by the way, Makrand Deshpande looks cool!), Yeh tara woh tara, and the self-sung title track are melodious and appluadable.

The film actually wins the hearts of the viewers because of the simplistic touch lent to it. There is something really honest about the way India has been portrayed in the film and Gowariker's choice of cast , as in Lagaan, was perfect as ever. Although the film cant be classified as an entertainer it is one of those rare films that comes straight from the director's heart and reaches till the very depth of the viewer's heart.

In terms of acting, Swades marks a new achievement in SRK's career. Shah Rukh Khan sheds his Chopra-Johar image in Swades and sets the right tone for the film. He is unarguably the heart and soul of the film and speaks his dialogues with divine perfection. Gayatri Joshi is awesome as a newcomer. What is even more commendable about this damsel is that she never appears to be over-rawed by facing the greatest star of our times(SRK) and matches SRK's acting with equally good performance.

Swades, though might not be successful at the box-office, certainly hits home the desired message with ease.