BOTTOM LINE
Comedy Works, Drama Suffers
OUR RATING
2.5/5
CENSOR
2h 4m, ‘U/A’ Certified.
What Is the Film About?
Bala, aka Balamurali Krishna (Bellamkonda Ganesh), is a typical middle-class shy guy with a government job. His father wants to marry him as soon as possible, setting many matches for him. Bala falls in love with one such potential partner, Bhagyalakshmi (Varsha Bollamma).
However, a twist of fate separates Bala and Bhagyalakshmi from their marriage. The ‘twist in the tale’ and how the pair and their respective families overcome it forms the movie’s core plot.
Performances
Bellamkonda Sai Ganesh makes his debut with Swathimutyam. It is a soft launch for the youngster where he plays to his age. There is no high drama, and the narrative is filled with simple cute moments that work to his advantage. The script helps him stay afloat and register for his first outing.
Varsha Bollamma playing the female lead is good. She has done similar in the past, which gives her ease. Also, Varsha Bollamma has different shades in her role, like emotions, drama, romance and comedy, which she pulls off neatly. Care is taken to present her lovely on screen, which further helps her.
Analysis
Lakshman K Krishna writes and directs Swathimuthyam. Its story is based on a thin line. The director relies heavily on entertainment to pull off the narrative.
The opening block establishing the hero’s world sets the tone perfectly for what’s to expect from Swathimuthyam. The father’s character, essayed by Rao Ramesh, and the writing, along with a quirky situation, instantly grab attention. There is nothing new situation-wise, but it works when it comes to ‘entertainment.’
The script follows the same entertainment formula for the rest of the narrative. The respective worlds of the leads and the whole setup feel engaging despite nothing really happening story-wise.
One feels a little restless whenever the drama starts between the lead pair. After a point, the lack of story development shows in the first half despite the comedy. The heroine track comprises the typical girl-trying-to-break-free cliche. It weighs down the proceedings in between.
The real story begins around the interval mark when the twist in the tale arrives. It is what the trailer hints at but doesn’t reveal. We aren’t going to tell it either, but suffice to say, it is alright.
The twist briefly reminds us of a Bollywood movie, but it isn’t an old one, but a recent one, Mimi. The way the whole thing is revealed is neatly done.
What works again is there is never a drop in entertainment. Even if there is drama, there is a punchy comedy bit or a block immediately. Still, one can’t help but feel the dramatic moments could be better handled, though.
The supporting cast is where Swathimuthyam shines. They all chip in with entertaining acts and elevate the routine. The writing gives them enough scope to deliver the necessary many times. The timing of the artists does the trick.
The ending is neatly wrapped, but again it’s the comedy that holds things together more than the drama. The latter is weak wherever it comes.
Overall, Swathimutyam has decent fun in the second half. The comedy by the supporting artists elevates the routine and holds attention with few hilarious bits. The drama doesn’t do much and doesn’t help the cause. If you like to have some laughs this weekend, give it a try.
Performances by Others Actors
The casting is the biggest strength of the movie. The supporting artists deliver, and they are the ones who make the proceedings engaging. Goparaju Ramana runs riot in the second half with his track. His gold chain track is superbly done. Rao Ramesh follows him and delivers fun in his unique style. Then there are Vennela Kishore, Subbaraju, Sivannarayana and Harsha Vardhan etc., doing the needed.
Music and Other Departments?
Mahati Swara Sagar provides the music. It is weak as the songs are passable at best. The background score is also at the same level. There is an engaging hook piece or two, and they are repeated throughout.
Surya’s cinematography is decent overall, but some parts look ordinary for the big screen. Navin Nooli’s editing is slick and sharp and helps keep the proceedings moving without much lag. Writing, as mentioned earlier, is key in providing entertainment.
Highlights?
Entertainment
Supporting Cast
Writing
Drawbacks?
Weak Drama
Thin Story
Rushed In Parts
Alternative Take
Swathimuthyam itself feels like an alternative take on Hindi flick Mimi.
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes
Swathi Muthyam 2022 Movie Review by M9News
