Film review: Rang De Basanti By: Sarita Tanwar January 28, 2006 Rang De Basanti **** Dir: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra Cast: Aamir Khan, Soha Ali Khan, Sharman Joshi, Atul Kulkarni, Kunal Kapoor, Siddharth, Kiron Kher What’s it about
It was Ashutosh Gowariker’s Swades that propagated subtle patriotism through the medium of mainstream cinema. Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s Rang De Basanti may not be as idealistic in approach but the effect is as compelling — after a flawed debut (Aks), Mehra surprises you with a film that’s entertaining, technically brilliant, thought-provoking and with a message — it’s almost the cinema we crave. RDB is about an English filmmaker Sue (Alice Patten) who comes to India to make a film on Bhagat Singh and his freedom struggle. Her friend Sonia (Soha Ali Khan) introduces her to her gang of pals, DJ (Aamir Khan), Aslam (Kunal Kapoor), Karan (Siddharth) and Sukhi (Sharman Joshi), who’re wasted students — frustrated with the system, they would rather be part of it than change it. With great difficulty, Sue convinces them to play the roles of the revolutionaries and it’s during the shooting of her film that the awakening begins. The boys finally realise the mission of their lives, rebel and adopt Bhagat Singh and his clan’s modus operandi to seek their own revenge. What’s hot Very rarely do you encounter movies whose content is as intense as its packaging — Mehra manages it. At most times, the director holds the script tight and the unruffled screenplay enhances the proceedings. The first half of the film flows at a relaxed pace — mostly establishing the camaraderie between the friends and their ‘no-goal-attitude’. Mehra plays the refined role when he’s highlighting the emotions of his characters. Scenes like when DJ and Alice first find comfort in each other in the car; Laxman’s (Atul Kulkarni) initiation into the group; the scenes with DJ’s mother (Kiron Kher) at her dhaba; there’s no exaggeration, no overtly hysterical drama. Some scenes startle you with their unpredictability: when they’re watching themselves play the revolutionaries and the lights are turned on, their silence is unnerving. But just when you feel the scene may take a serious note, Mehra shifts gears to a playful terrain again. The slick transition is what stays with you. Mehra’s shot taking is commendable: the night-lit Delhi almost looks like Gothic City; the changeover from sepia-tone to colour and from past to present is expertly handled; the song picturisations are a treat (Binod Pradhan’s cinematography at its best). The director also takes a bold anti-Establishment stand, questioning the credentials of the accident-prone MIG-21 aircrafts. Mehra’s greatest achievement lies in extracting some outstanding performances from his artistes — Aamir Khan, despite age showing on his face, is in great form. His breakdown after Madhavan’s death is a high point. Aamir displays courage by giving equal and sometimes even more footage to the other actors in the film. Soha Ali Khan is splendid – where’s she been hiding all this while? Kunal Kapoor is sincere and Sharman Joshi (the only one with an incomplete characterisation) makes a lasting impact. The big discovery of the film is Siddharth — the true blue cool dude and a real star in the making; he rocks the screen with his untailored intensity. Atul Kulkarni proves yet again that he’s one of the best actors in the country. Alice Patten is brilliant — watch her in the scene when she’s auditioning Atul or dancing to Punjabi beats or even when she’s flirting with Aamir. Kiron Kher excels in the small part. Music by A.R. Rahman is the kind to grow on you — the title track is fantastic. What’s not Some scenes need serious editing. Like the one where Alice is auditioning students. Also, the climax, though impactful, seems a bit unrealistic for a film of this kind. Maybe the director could’ve avoided comparing Bhagat Singh’s story with the revenge spree of the young brigade. Drawing inspiration for an action is one thing but repetitively putting them in the shoes of the legendary freedom fighters is quite another. The Hindu-Muslim clash between Aslam and Laxman is a tad predictable. What’s that Alice Patten saying ‘Teri maa ki aankh’ to her superior at the television station she works in. Considering she’s supposed to have learnt Hindi at a night school, wonder which one and what kind would teach her that? What to do RDB is a brave effort and a perfect ‘patriotic’ dose for today’s generation, conveyed in a style that’s entertaining, not preachy. Watch it. http://web.mid-day.com/hitlist/2006/january/129496.htm Explore, Experience, Enjoy A.R.Rahman - The Man, The Music, The Magic. Only at arrahmanfans.com - The definitive A.R.Rahman e-community. Homepage: http://www.arrahmanfans.com Admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Subscribe: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/arrahmanfans/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/