Movie Title: Swag
Language: Telugu
Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama
Director: Hasith Goli
Producers: Naveen Yerneni, Y Ravi Shankar
Actors: Karthikeya Gummakonda, Neha Shetty, Rahul Ramakrishna, Naresh
Runtime: 138 minutes
Rating: 7.5/10
Swag marks Hasith Goli’s return after his successful debut with “Raja Raja Chora”. With a promising cast and a quirky blend of action and humor, the film aims to deliver both entertainment and a message. It carries the same offbeat narrative style that made Goli’s first film a cult hit.
Plot Summary
The story follows a small-time thief, played by Karthikeya Gummakonda, whose flamboyant personality and knack for theatrics earn him the nickname “Swag.” Living in the Old City of Hyderabad, he’s caught between rival factions, local politics, and his own romantic aspirations. When his antics entangle him in a bigger conspiracy involving a powerful politician, Swag must navigate danger, loyalty, and redemption—all while maintaining his trademark flair.
Direction and Screenplay
Hasith Goli retains his signature storytelling voice—mixing satire with street-smart characters and deeply rooted cultural elements. The screenplay is snappy, with a strong first half filled with situational comedy and clever dialogue. The second half leans more into emotional depth and action but occasionally dips in pace. Nonetheless, Goli’s command over quirky narratives and character arcs remains evident.
Performances
Karthikeya Gummakonda excels in his role, balancing humor, bravado, and vulnerability. Neha Shetty provides solid support with a confident and lively performance. Rahul Ramakrishna adds significant comic relief, while Naresh as a political manipulator brings gravitas. The chemistry among the cast enhances the film’s rhythm.
Technical Aspects
The cinematography by Sunny Kurapati captures the bustling urban aesthetic of Hyderabad beautifully, blending grit with color. Music by Vivek Sagar complements the film’s tone, offering catchy tracks and a rousing background score. Editing by Viplav Nyshadam keeps the runtime tight, though the emotional beats in the latter half could have been trimmed further for better flow.
Strengths
- Engaging lead performance by Karthikeya
- Witty and sharp dialogues
- Strong blend of humor and social commentary
- Rich visual style with an authentic setting
- Memorable soundtrack
Weaknesses
- Pacing issues in the second half slightly hamper the narrative momentum
- Certain subplots feel underexplored and could have been fleshed out more
Final Verdict
Swag is a stylish and smartly written entertainer that stands out with its vibrant tone, memorable characters, and a solid balance between fun and depth. Hasith Goli continues to prove his mettle as a storyteller with a unique voice in Telugu cinema.
Recommended for
Fans of Telugu masala cinema with a twist, viewers who enjoyed “Raja Raja Chora,” and those who appreciate a blend of action, humor, and street-level drama told with flair.