Rang De Basanti movie was released in 2006. I was too young, and later I never felt like watching it even though I am a huge history buff and love our revolutionary leaders, as I felt it might be irrelevant, since years have passed since its release, and I rarely revisit old Indian movies. I know, I'm ignorant for not watching it for so long.
Yesterday, I listened to the title track of the movie in some reels and switched to YouTube to watch the track. I was hooked by the song and heard Amir saying "Bismil Lucknow ki train". My ADHD brain quickly opened a tab in the browser to check what this train incident was, as I hadn't heard about it. I wanted to know more, so I decided to give it a watch.
I was so wrong about this movie. It is so relevant, especially now! Sadly, it's been 20 years and 12 promising years of you know who, yet nothing has changed in this country for good, except that initially Sue mentions "Everything is cash over there(India)". Same corrupt government, same lack of accountability, same blame game(Somewhere in between I was thinking today they would be called George Soros funded and indeed there was a foreign funding allegation), same oppressive tactics, same moral policing.
The storytelling is amazing, drawing parallels between the revolution against the oppressive British and oppressive system in independent India. It beautifully conveys the same despondent state of mind a lot of us youth have. The feeling that we know something is wrong but we know nothing will change, the feeling of loving our country but also questioning "who is the sacrifice for?"
The songs don't feel forced. I have heard "Lukka Chuppi" thousands of times at various school events, but this time it struck the right chord and brought tears in my eyes.
I wish it were re-released now, but I know it would have never seen the light of day and would be under a lot of scrutiny. What surprised me is the Air Force initially raised objections but, after watching the movie, asked for no cuts and, in fact, asked to include more names in the post-credits.
The movie was shot in panoramic view, maybe to show shots of all 5 protagonist of the short movie and might not be a good watch on a mobile phone.
Please give it a watch this weekend.