Rang De Basanti can release!

After a mild scare, Aamir Khan's Rang De Basanti finally hits theatres on Friday. Even the usually unflappable Khan would have missed a few heartbeats as he waited for IAF officials to clear his movie at a special screening of the movie at the Film Division's VVIP Auditorium on Mahadev Road.

"There is nothing derogatory about the Indian Air Force in the film. It is a very good film and as far as we are concerned, it can be released. Now the ball is in the court of the censor board," Air Marshal P S Ahluwalia said, soon after a special screening for the defence ministry.

Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee, who censor board chief Sharmila Tagore said enjoyed watching the film, chose not to speak on the subject.

"It is a very good film. It is a great tribute to our heroes," Tagore said. Asked why the censor board referred it to the defence ministry, Tagore said: "I only wanted an expert opinion before clearing it."

Film producer Ronnie Screwala said, "Rang De Basanti is an inspirational film and sends a positive message to youngsters."

The film talks of five friends, one an IAF fighter pilot. He dies in a crash and his friends rally round the family to find the cause of the accident. In the process, they uncover similar accidents and a web of murky defence deals.