Imagine an ancient kingdom where matrilineal society prevailed, with a queen holding supreme authority and male heirs being disregarded. As time progresses, a man disrupts this gender balance, marking the onset of patrilineal society and patriarchal norms. This thought-provoking idea forms the backbone of Hasith Goli’s latest Telugu film, “Swag,” set to release in theatres on October 4. The film features a star-studded cast including Sree Vishnu, Ritu Varma, Meera Jasmine, Daksha Nagarkar, and Sharanya Pradeep, spanning different timelines to explore this hypothetical scenario.
The film’s teaser and trailer hint at an unconventional narrative, prompting curiosity about the story’s inspiration. In an exclusive interview during the film’s post-production phase, Hasith Goli shared his insights. “The voices advocating for gender equality on social media might make us believe we’re progressing as a society,” he starts. “However, once you step away from the digital realm, you see that gender disparity is still deeply rooted. This observation, among others, sparked the concept of Swag. Delving deeper into my thoughts could ruin the story for viewers.”
“Swag” marks Hasith’s second directorial venture after his successful comedy-drama “Raja Raja Chora” (2021). His confidence in Sree Vishnu’s versatility to portray diverse characters across different eras made him a natural choice for the film. While gender issues lie at the heart of the narrative, Hasith is clear that his goal was to create an entertaining film, free from moralizing undertones.
Central to the film is Ritu Varma’s character, Rukmini Devi, a queen symbolizing the female-dominant Vinjamara Vamsam. Opposite her is Sree Vishnu, playing the chauvinistic Bhavabhuti Maharaja. “Whether male or female, prolonged power tends to make individuals domineering. We explore intense emotions, but I also wanted the audience to have fun with the drama. All the kingdoms and dynasties in the story are fictional,” Hasith explains.
For a modern touch, Hasith opted for an unspecified urban setting. While production designs for the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s were period-specific, creative liberties were employed elsewhere to suit the story’s needs. Female characters like those played by Ritu Varma, Meera Jasmine, and Sharanya Pradeep are integral in both eras, while Daksha Nagarkar portrays a character opposite one of Sree Vishnu’s personas, known as Singareni, a wannabe influencer.
Meera Jasmine’s return to Telugu cinema after a decade is generating significant buzz.
. “Meera ma’am will undoubtedly be a highlight. Her ability to convey emotions effortlessly is exceptional,” Hasith shares. Initially, getting in touch with her was challenging, but a three-hour narration convinced her to join the project. Like many actors in the film, Meera dubbed her lines as well.
Crafting distinct characters across timelines required meticulous effort. For instance, Ritu Varma’s contemporary character, Anubhuti, is envisioned as a confident, independent, tomboyish woman with tattoos and a strong feminist attitude. Such nuances bring depth and variety to the film’s narrative.
Given the complexity of characters and their backstories, how does Hasith manage to convey his vision concisely? “It happens organically,” he explains. “After completing the script, I share it with friends, both men and women, to gauge their reactions. I also engage in discussions with the editor, music composer, and cinematographer to refine the script. They are my first audience,” he adds.
For “Swag,” Hasith teams up once more with cinematographer Vedaraman Sankaran and music composer Vivek Sagar. Vedaraman’s keen eye for detail and ability to produce quality work on a budget, as demonstrated in “Raja Raja Chora,” was invaluable. This time, they strived for a unique visual tone for each timeline.
Vivek Sagar, affectionately referred to as ‘swara swagger’ by his fans, lived up to his reputation. “He combines unusual instrumentation and compositions. For example, he used a western-tone voice for a veena composition, which is extraordinary,” Hasith notes.
An alumnus of BIT Pilani, Hasith left his corporate job to pursue a career in cinema, working initially with director Vivek Athreya before branching out on his own. Reflecting on his journey, Hasith says, “Choosing cinema was deliberate. I knew from the start that nothing would come easy, so I don’t complain. I still have a long way to go as a filmmaker.”
As anticipation builds for “Swag,” audiences eagerly await to see how Hasith Goli’s bold narrative confronting gender norms will resonate on the silver screen.
