Swades (2004)

Overview

Swades (2004) is a deeply moving Hindi drama about an NRI NASA scientist, Mohan Bhargava, who returns to India in search of his childhood caretaker and ends up rediscovering his roots. Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker and starring Shah Rukh Khan in one of his most powerful roles, the film highlights rural India's challenges while inspiring themes of change, responsibility, and patriotism. Swades is lauded for its heartfelt narrative, soulful music by A.R. Rahman, and social message. Though not a major box office hit initially, it gained cult status for its sincerity, emotional depth, and progressive take on Indian identity.