Rang De Basanti
You won’t believe what we have in our review today!!! Personally I feel like this is happening after ages! We’re only about 3 months into 2006, and we’ve already landed with the best film the year has to offer. Finally, a film worth filling every seat in the theatres, which it did.
After directing Aks in 2001, now in 2006, director Rakesh Omprakash Mehra presents Rang De Basanti!
An enthusiastic film filled with energy and vigor, it combines the interests of elders and modern day youth. With a name like Rang De Basanti some may chose to shun it as just another patriotic film. But let me clarify, this is not like any other patriotic film. In fact there is a lot more to it than meets the eye. It’s the story about the present; today.
Often its stated, “children are the future of tomorrow”, this story is from the standpoint of the current generation, the hot-blooded, relentless youth.
Beginning with the reminiscent escapade of shaheed Bhagat Singh and his friends, the tone for patriotic fervor is set. It then quickly shifts to a vibrant college ambiance with buoyancy. These two scenarios capture the mood of the film. It has serious substance with a jovial twist. Mehra ensures you aren’t bored or don’t become too serious with the melodrama. The manner the different moods have been dealt with is amazing, cleverly taking it from an amiable to a solemn note, creating a good balance. While the film is fun and you basically have fun with them, you learn with them as well. The tone is such that it molds you along with its movement.
An intelligent script by Kamlesh Pandey, with the screenplay interpretation by Rensil D. DeSilva and Mehra, touches on many points. The main concept that reaches out is best stated in the words of former president JFK, “ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country”. This theology has been beautifully stated and explained, all the while entertaining to guarantee audiences are engaged.
Rang De Basanti scores in so many areas; be it the original and unpredictable narrative, strong yet conversational dialogues by Prasoon Joshi and Rensil D. DeSilva, the deft execution, by director Rakesh Omprakash Mehra, ace cinematography by accomplished Binod Pradhan, polished visual effects by Pankaj Khandpur, or a fitting soundtrack by A.R. Rehman with the glistening title track sung by Daler Mehndhi. All aspects are noteworthy. The minor drawbacks as being a bit lengthy, emulating the style of Speilberg’s ‘Schindler’s List’ in flashback sequences, and the debatable climax as something that is practical or not, can be neglected in exchange of all that’s delivers.
A known fact in the industry is that Aamir Khan is not a part of any project less than worthy of recognition. His award is the film, not a statue. Aamir Khan’s selection is like a critic stating the film is a hit, its as good as gold. However, this film is not an ‘Aamir Khan’ film. Its an equal opportunity film. Aamir Khan, Kunal Kapoor, Sharman Joshi, Atul Kulkarni, Siddharth, Alice Patten, and Soha Ali Khan have equivocal roles. This represents another underlying message of teamwork. All the characters uniformly excel in their performances. Aamir Khan’s emotional breakdown scene with Alice Patten is his best yet. Kunal Kapoor shows intensity. Sharman Joshi is promising. Siddharth, a natural. Alice Patten, extremely fitting and competent. Soha Ali Khan proves she’s more than just from the pataudi/tagore lineage, but her own person with immense capability. This is the role and the kind of film she had needed to kick-start her career.
The complimentary cast of Waheeda Rehman and Kiron Kher are highly effective. Mohan Agashe is proper for his small, yet significant role. Only Anupam Kher and Om Puri are not utilized to their full extent, but still perform with adequacy.
This is a film where the pensive, easy-going, and indifferent viewer, collectively come together and walk away having taken something from it. Most likely it will be the spirit! The spirit to live, the spirit to fight, the spirit to enjoy! Rang De Basanti receives a commendable 4 ½ stars.
Rang De Basanti is positively the most revolutionary film of its time. However remember it takes as little as 2 seconds to be inspired, but to keep the fire of that inspiration burning for more than even 2 days is the real challenge. Hopefully the spirit of Rang De Basanti will remain with you longer!