I can imagine how many must have simply skipped reading this review, just seeing the topic it was written on. I mean, there have already been close to 200 reviews written on this movie, so I can’t possibly have something new to say, can I? Well, that’s where my oh-so-weird title comes into effect! The thing is, I just could not control myself from writing this review! And if I had, out of disgust for the amount of reviews already written on it, skipped writing on this one, I would probably never have forgiven myself. When I usually write on a topic now-a-days, it’s because I feel nobody has been able to express what I could, on the topic. But this one is a clear deviation from that, ‘coz confess I have read only three reviews on this on MS, and this review might have nothing new to offer. But stubborn as I am, I want to express my thoughts on it, all the same!
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The Story Dil Chahta Hai meets The Legend Of Bhagat Singh
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The story of Rang De Basanti lies in the tag-line itself: “A Generation Awakens”. A usual bunch of guys not-yet-outta-their-university, who think the country is a total trash-can, and nothing can be done of it. And it takes a foreigner armed with her grandad’s diary and a never-expected setback in their life, to open their eyes to the power they truly possess- the power of youth! And this realisation, needless to say, takes them through the darkest days of their life as yet. And as they swing from emotion to emotion, you realise you too are taking the roller-coaster ride with them, because somewhere deep down- you manage to relate to at least one of the characters…. And that’s when you realise, that unknowingly, it’s actually you who has truly awakened!
The story moves along pretty slowly in the first half, which is probably only meant to give you a feel of each character, and the background of the incidents to follow. While it might sound all fun and frolic in the first part, you realise the deep meaning behind every dilogue uttered, once you get into the second half.
In the second half, the story moves at a near break-neck speed, and the incidents that follow just leave you shaken in your seats. Don’t worry even if you’ve heard the whole story and about all the incidents that occur, because even then they have the power to shock you, no matter how much you are prepared for them!
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The Cast Impeccable
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Aamir Khan as Diljeet a.k.a. D.J.:
The character: D.J. is the quintessential Delhi guy: full of life, and complete with an obvious hariyanvi accent. He has already passed out of the university, but continues to be there, because, as he puts it “University ke gate ke is paar, DJ ki koi aukkat hai”. He has a great sense of humour, and has a huge crush on the ‘firangi kudi’; but as the story progresses, one sees the seemingly self-confident DJ get almost crushed by the challenges life put before him…. Another marvel of the story!
The Actor: Frankly, I have never been a great fan of Aamir, but this movie made me realise what a selfless actor he truly is. By giving somebody else the opportunity to dominate the last scene, he surprises one and all. His acting, needless to say, is flawless as ever. The comic timing is just perfect, and at the same time, he manages to tug at your heart-strings till the very end! A brilliant performance….
Alice Pattern as Sue
The character: Sue is your new-age-girl, if you might want to call her that. She has the determination to do things, and manages to get them done by her sheer will-power. While she has a fun-loving side to her, she has certain ideas about how things work, and will not get influenced by anyone.
The actor: Many might choose to disagree, but I feel Alice’s character is the toughest to play, and she plays it to near-perfection! I mean, she has to go through the whole range of emotions: happiness, sadness, frustration, anxiety, love, hatered, and what not! But she shows that she possesses the whole repertiour of expressions needed. Even comparing her to the other firangs who’ve come good in Bollywood now-a-days, would be unfair…..
Siddharth as Karan
The character: Karan is your typical ‘Rich baap ka beta’, who doesn’t mind sharing his money with anyone who needs it. Afterall, as he puts it, ”baap ka paisa hai, pade pade sad jayega’ But what really touches you about this character, is the fact that he’s so vulnerable. He doesn’t make too many friends, but the ones he makes, he guards them fiercely. His coming of age in the last scene is so symbolic of the movie as a whole. And along with the never-ending cigarrets he seems to smoke, this character really lives on in one’s memory….
The actor: With his deep brooding eyes (usually covered with a cool pair of shades!), and his drop-dead-gorgeous looks, one wonders why this ‘wonder’ from the Telegu film industry did not step into Bollywood earlier! While he has a relatively quiter character to play, he plays it so convincingly, you really fall in love with him! And, needless to say, he’s my latest crush (so now you know whom to blame if you think I’ve been partial in this review)…..!
Kunal Kapoor as Aslam
The character: Aslam is the only muslim guy in the group, but you never realise it until some outsider says so. And the way his friends stand up for him fiercely at that time, makes some of the most touching moments of the movie. Being a soft guy at heart, who wishes that good happens with all, Aslam is the ‘shayar’ of the group, and a real ‘charmer’! While his family is forever in opposition of his being involved with children of other ‘communities’, he just loves each of them too much to stay away from them….
The actor: The first thing that strikes you about Kunal is his striking looks which totally define what ‘Tall-Dark-Handsome’ might mean. But what makes you fall in love with him, is the extremely lovely smile he possesses, complete with some killer dimples! His portrayal of Aslam is just too adorable. Another actor whom you never seemed to have notice before, but really seems to steal the show….
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