10 Years of Rang De Basanti - Page 8

Originally posted by: -Arsal-

A true classic. One of my all time favorites. Here are my two cents;

Where to even begin? There is so much here to savor, to cherish. This is one of Hindi cinema's finest hours, storytelling at its absolute best.

Let's start with the music. One of Rehman's best. Each song is a gem. The words, the compositions support the movie so well. But even topping them is the score. How good is it? Fits seamlessly with the mood, setting of the movie.

Tu Bin Bataye, I still marvel at how well they captured subtle emotions at display here. Sonia's tears of happiness; the sheer joy of others at two of their friends coming together. And midst all this, there is Karan. The way he looks at Sonia, and his whole demeanor in this episode suggests that he has feelings for, feeling that maybe he himself hasn't come to terms with. He is happy for her yet there is a hint of sadness there, regret perhaps. While everyone else is blissfully ignorant.

All this without a single dialogue.


Every character is so finely etched; each has its own thread, which adds to the story making it deeper, more layered, richer; intertwining all the while into the brilliance that is Rang De Basanti. And they all serve the story, that's why all of them seem to have a purpose for being there and they all leave a mark.


Karan was my favorite. He is the most complex character in the movie. What an arc, if you look at who he is at the start of the movie and where he finds himself at the end, fighting for and with his friends; the very same people he was going to leave behind at the start. His problems with his father, the dormant feelings for Sonia, him being silent, wanting to leave all the memories behind and go away, the back story as to why he is that way; it all adds up to a remarkable journey for the character.


And now the climax; it is so powerful. When they all breathe their last; it really hits you. I was so invested in them, their stories; that I first I didn't believe it. The way that they all fall; Karan and DJ in the broadcasting room. By that time they have made peace with what is about to come, they know what is going to happen. That echo of Karan and DJ laughing, content, proud is an image that won't leaves you for a while at least. It is gut-wrenching and horrific at the same time; what happens to them.


And then we end with Sue and Sonia siting at their favorite hangout; lost deep in those wonderful memories... just thinking... a hint of smile on their faces. There is grief in them, at what they lost, but also acceptance. It really engulfs you, the pain, suffering and the sacrifice that DJ and his gang went through. Makes you think of what you are doing and where you stand as a person.

The last shot is so bitter-sweet. All of them running towards their freedom, laughing merrily.


The direction and cinematography are picture perfect. They don't spoon feed you anything but rather let the visuals and characters tell their story as they deem fit.

Also kudos to the writer and the director (Mehra) for taking on such serious issues and doing them justice. Going all out and not shying away. That also makes RDB what it is. It is no bed of roses where everything miraculously fall into place; no but there are serious consequences as is the case with life.

All of the cast are terrific but this movie belongs to Aamir and Sidharth, especially Sidharth. There are few moments where both of them are exceptional. The scene where DJ breaks down in-front of Sue, Karan's last confrontation with his father, The Karan Sonia bits and then that climax scene in the broadcasting room.

I loved RDB the first time I saw it and that hasn't changed to this day.

Originally posted by: Yankees

Never understood this movie nor the hype around it. Couldn't even sit through the first half hour.