Rang De Basanti (2006)

Rang De Basanti (2006) — Comedy / Crime / Drama What it’s about: A young British filmmaker, Sue, arrives in India to make a documentary about early 20th‑century freedom fighters. Short on funds, she recruits a group of carefree Delhi University friends — DJ, Karan, Aslam, Sukhi, Sonia and the earnest Laxman — to play the revolutionaries. At first their involvement is a playful, self‑conscious exercise in acting and nostalgia. But when Sonia’s fiance, Flight Lieutenant Ajay Rathod, dies in suspicious circumstances and the state covers it up, the friends’ casual detachment shatters. Confronted with corruption, lies and a political establishment that refuses to take responsibility, they are radicalized: the film’s reenactments begin to mirror their own lives, and lighthearted youth transforms into a tense, morally charged struggle with violent consequences. What a viewer will experience: - A striking tonal shift — the film moves from witty, warm campus camaraderie and sharp humor into a tense, emotionally raw political drama and crime thriller. - A strong emotional arc: moments of laughter and youthful energy give way to grief, indignation and moral urgency; the second half delivers gutting scenes of rage, sacrifice and consequence. - Engaging characters and relationships: vivid, believable portraits of friendship, privilege, idealism and identity spur the story’s emotional pull. - A thought‑provoking social critique that asks who is responsible for change, how history inspires the present, and what limits (if any) justify direct action. - A memorable audio‑visual experience: evocative filmmaking that blends documentary-within-a-film elements, stirring music, and powerful performances that make the political stakes feel personal. Who might like it: Viewers who appreciate films that begin as character-driven dramas and evolve into intense political thrillers — those who enjoy movies that blend humor and heart with social commentary and moral complexity — will find Rang De Basanti compelling and provocative.

Actors: Aamir Khan, Soha Ali Khan, Siddharth

Director: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra

Runtime: 167 min

Genres: Comedy, Crime, Drama

6.3 /10 8.1 /10 7.2 /10