Common Sense Media Review
By Sakhi Thirani
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Bollywood drama looks at discrimination in India; smoking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Swades
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In SWADES, Mohan (Shah Rukh Khan), a project manager at NASA, returns to India in search of his mother-like nanny, Kaveri amma (Kishori Balal). But after experiencing life in a rural Indian village, will Mohan be able to return to the United States?
Is It Any Good?
This classic Bollywood drama, directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, is an entertaining and delightful tale that captures interest right from the get-go. Swades brings together Khan's charismatic performance with A. R. Rahman's unforgettable tunes that deliver an unparalleled sense of home, togetherness, and nostalgia. While India is definitely romanticized with the idyllic village of Charanpur, Gowariker interweaves significant issues of caste, patriarchy, poverty, and education that still impact the country today. At once playful, witty, romantic, and heartbreaking, Swades is an experience to be had with its duly balanced simplicity and bittersweetness.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Swades deals with caste-based discrimination. Are you familiar with the Indian cast system? Why are such ideologies of exclusion problematic?
Which characters displayed traits of compassion, empathy, and teamwork in the film? Why are they such important character strengths to have?
What message did you take from this film? Did it remind you of any other movies you've seen?
A number of characters are seen smoking in the film. What are some of the dangers of smoking?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 17, 2004
- On DVD or streaming : January 31, 2005
- Cast : Shah Rukh Khan , Gayatri Joshi , Kishori Ballal
- Director : Ashutosh Gowariker
- Inclusion Information : Indian/South Asian Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studios : UTV Motion Pictures , UTV Communications
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Empathy , Teamwork
- Run time : 210 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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