Film Review: Rang De Basanti
Rang De Basanti is more than just a film. It is a storm that is sure to get every youth twirling around and asking, “Is there a fire within me?” A perfect blend of good music, finest performance and an excellent storyline, Rang De Basanti has raised the bar of Indian Cinema up there. Scenes from the film are weaved together so beautifully that every single shot looks full of life. This generation awakening story revolves around a young British filmmaker, Sue (Alice Patten) who reads about Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad and their bravery in a diary written by her grandfather, a British police those days and arrives in India to make a documentary on these brave heroes. With the help of Sonia (Soha Ali Khan), her friend in India, Sue starts the search for the freedom fighters to act in her film. In the process, she becomes a part of Sonia’s college group, and finds her heroes in DJ (Aamir Khan), a passed out student who still hangs around in the college, as he believes there’s no life beyond friends. Karan (Siddharth), the son of an Industrialist who has no comfort levels when it comes to his father. Aslam (Kunal Kapoor), who despite of his family opposition to his Hindu friends chooses to be their pal and Sukhi (Sharman Joshi), a happy-go-lucky chap with lots of love for…girls. Then there’s Laxman (Atul Kulkarni), a protagonist, whose aim in life is to keep the spirit of India alive in every heart.
In the first half Sue deals with these good-for-nothing boys who are not at all serious about acting for the film. But after learning Sue’s passion to make this documentary, they gradually agree and get into the character they play. What ignites the fire is when DJ, Karan, Aslam find the zest and courage in themselves while playing the role of the great fighters. And it is this spirit that they carry forward in the second half of the film to get justice for Ajay (Madhavan), Sonia’s fiancée and an aircraft pilot who dies in a plane crash due to some defect in the airplane. Scenes from the past and present are synchronized beautifully doing justice to the entire script. The Lathi charge, a strong DJ’s emotional breakdown and an aircraft pilot, Ajay’s funeral ceremony are scenes that are sure to make every eye moist. While there are shots that are heavier on emotions, there are some light moments as well that run you down the memory lane of college days.
Rang De Basanti not just has a strong story line but it also has a solid role for all. Hence, we notice that this film leaves no role as a cameo. Aamir Khan as DJ has proved yet again that he’s simply unbeatable. While Kunal Kapoor, Siddharth and Sharman Joshi equally leave their mark, Soha Ali Khan makes a strong screen presence. Also, A.R. Rehman contributes to the life and energy of the film through the music score. Apart from leaving behind a Never-going-to-fade experience, Rang De Basanti also paints the colour of patriotism on each one of us.