Swargarath (2024) Movie Review: A Humble Satire within a Modestly Enjoyable Entertainer 

In recent times, the trend of re-releasing older films in cinema halls has gained much popularity, and Assamese cinema too is not far behind. Several films, only a few months old, have made their way back to the big screens after their initial release. One such film, AM Television’s “Swargarath” (2024), was re-released on November 29, 2024, across theatres of Assam (in Guwahati, Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Mangaldoi, and Dhemaji). Its re-release also coincided with its selection and screening in the Mainstream Cinema Section of the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa. Other recent Assamese films that have been re-released commercially in theatres include “Dr. Bezbaruah 2” (2023), “Bridge” (2022), “Ekalavya” (2022), and “Xhoixobote Dhemalite” (2018).

As an axiomatic principle that defines the conflicting impulses of ambition, Rajesh Bhuyan’s “Swargarath” is both literal and metaphorical in its meaning. It is 2016 and Boikuntha (Siddhartha Sharma) is an honest man of integrity who cares deeply for his family. He drives a van that he doesn’t own, but is affectionately named ‘Swargarath’ (Swarg means Heaven and Rath means Chariot). He transports the bodies of the departed from the hospital to the cremation ground. Boikuntha doesn’t have a very well-to-do life but he has the desire to see his school-going daughter do good and study in top academic institutions.

In contrast to that, we have the trio of Abhijit (Kamal Lochan Deka), Rishabh (Udvawan Saikia), and Robinson (Bonny Deori) —roommates and college students—who take the shortcut to success. Together they plot to kidnap the wealthiest of them, to demand a ransom amount from his family. They plan to use the money to fulfill their dreams. The two contrasting journeys here reflect both the literal and metaphorical essence of the film. We also have a parallel story of police inspector Bhaskar (Kenny Basumatary) and Rakesh (Rintu Bora), a duo, that appears crooked from their behavior as well as intentions. They make their way through demands and deceit. These stories broaden the narrative of the film establishing significance beyond a journey to heaven.

However, there is an effective lack of a presentation and production design in “Swargarath” that disbalances an overall fair screenplay written by Santanu Rowmuria and Rajesh Bhuyan. The haphazard shot composition and sloppy visual framing kill the overall aesthetic presence of the film which makes this story of the middle-class dream of becoming rich, visually appear like a low-cost TV serial.

“Swargarath” satirizes the avarice while remaining faithful to its style of a crime caper. In the material world where every aspiration and ambition collide with the interest of becoming rich, the film uses money as a definitive expression of desire. For the middle class, it represents a means of survival and the hope for a better future. For the wealthy, it’s an all-consuming affair that also wields power and control. “Swargarath” shows how this desire triggers a cycle of deceit and exploitation.

There is a bit of foreshadowing in the storytelling that “Swargarath” uses for its benefit such as the onscreen display of dates and times which also accelerates the narrative. Another example is a witty exchange where Rakesh responds to Bhaskar’s comment about recognizing a mysterious name on Rakesh’s phone as his girlfriend’s by saying, “You’ll know because you’re a police officer, just like me.” It seems like a casual remark but makes perfect sense towards the ending of the film.

Seizing every moment is the duo of Kenny Basumatary and Rintu Bora who sticks to their well-planned comic timing. And actor Siddhartha Sharma has a range that extends beyond comedy. But the humor that is written for the trio – Abhijit, Rishab, and Robinson – is far from amusing. Sitting on the stairs of a fast-food restaurant in Guwahati, Abhijit who orders bengela pura and kothal guti pitika (roasted eggplant and jackfruit seeds) only to later ask for a burger cut into two halves, goes on to hatch a full-proof plan to kidnap their friend and demand a huge ransom.

Rishab, who is nicknamed ‘Pocket Helmet’ (he is referred to so due to his habit of always carrying a pack of condoms with him), on the other hand, pulls out his pack of condoms when his friends ask if he has brought his helmet before going on a bike ride. Such humor may feel stale but nevertheless remains harmless.

It’s difficult to write about “Swargarath” without spoiling its main trick (which is carefully hidden in the film) but it makes the best use of the plot for a satire on human greed. Even when the film disappears into its genre, it benefits from the flaws of the characters and the ironic twist of the plot which prevents the characters from overcoming their fate. It’s sometimes good to be poor, as the film puts it because it not only saves you from the consequences of being rich but also gives you a reason to respect and look up to work.

In short, “Swargarath” is a modestly enjoyable entertainer provided one doesn’t expect too much from it. But the entire film is nowhere near as stylish or visually impressive as the song “Mon Bondhu,” written by Santanu Rowmuria, composed by Anurag Saikia, and performed by singer Arupjyoti Baruah, which boasts a satisfyingly good production value. Also featuring Karishma Nath, the song (which comes during the end credits) holds audiences from pulling away from their seats even as the movie ends.

One of the highest-grossing Assamese films of 2024, “Swargarath” is shot by Pradip Daimary and edited by Protim Khaound with background music by Ankur Jyoti. The rest of the cast includes Anushka Gohain, Rimjhim Deka, Panchi Patowary, Alice Sheikh, Madhurima Choudhury, Akid Zaman, and Pankaj Mahanta. Although it was claimed that “Swargarath” is the first movie from Northeast India to get an official selection in the Mainstream Cinema Section of IFFI, film critics of the region have pointed out that it was actually the 1998 Assamese hit, “Joubane Amoni Kore” by Ashok Kumar Bishaya which was the first selection from Assam and Northeast India in the said category.

“Swargarath” is now available for rent and streaming in AM Television’s homegrown OTT platform, Prag Play.

Read More: 10 Essential Award-Winning Assamese Movies Of The Decade (2010s)

Swargarath (2024) Movie Links: IMDb