Table of Contents
3: Rang De Basanti
Release date: 2006
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Director: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
Duration: 2hr 47m
Genre: Thriller/Musical
Cast: Aamir Khan, Soha Ali Khan, Siddharth
“Rang De Basanti” is a Bollywood film that interweaves the past and present to tell a powerful story of patriotism and activism. The film follows a group of young friends in contemporary India—DJ, Karan, Aslam, Sukhi, and Sonia—who lead carefree lives until they meet Sue, a British filmmaker. Sue is in India to make a documentary about Indian freedom fighters based on the diary of her grandfather, who served as a jailer during the British Raj. She casts the friends in her film, with each portraying a historical figure from the Indian independence movement. As they delve into their roles, they begin to draw parallels between the colonial struggle and the current socio-political issues facing India. The transition from apathy to activism is spurred by the tragic death of their friend, Flight Lieutenant Ajay Rathod, who dies in a plane crash due to corrupt defense practices.
Ajay’s death becomes a turning point for the friends, igniting their sense of justice and responsibility. They decide to take matters into their own hands, seeking to expose the corruption that led to his death. This leads them to confront the defense minister, who they hold responsible. In a dramatic and tragic turn of events, they assassinate the minister and later take over a radio station to broadcast their message to the nation, urging the youth to rise against corruption. The film culminates in a standoff with the police, resulting in the deaths of the friends. “Rang De Basanti” ends on a poignant note, highlighting the cyclical nature of sacrifice and the enduring spirit of resistance. The film underscores the transformative power of patriotism and the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs, making a poignant commentary on the need for societal change.
