http://www.thenews.com.pk/print1.asp?id=101109
Rang De Basanti' to be screened on Saturday By Aijaz Gul 3/13/2008 Islamabad The Cineclub of the Indian High Commission concludes its youth series with 'Rang De Basanti' this weekend on March 15. The films dealing with trials, errors, triumphs, rhythms, hopes, sacrifices of young men and women included 'Dil Chahta Hai,' 'Yuva,' 'Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar' and 'Haasil'. And now 'Rang De Basanti'. This smash hit came in 2006 with Aamir Khan, Alice Patten, Siddharth, Soha Ali, Waheeda Rehman and Om Puri. This also happens to be director Rakesh Mehra's second film after 'Aks'. One of the major problems in previewing any film is not to disclose the plot details and storyline and yet one cannot totally remain oblivious to this aspect. 'Rang De Basanti' became one of the most popular films of 2006, both with the critics and at the box-office. And since the youth have to be there, the film deals with urban youth like 'Dil Chahta Hai'. All youth here are not super rich as the ones we saw in 'Dil Chahta Hai' but that is insignificant. What is important is that these youth have their own ambitions and yet they have not carved out their future. Perhaps they don't know where they would go and what future waits for them. May be to know the future, the writer-director must take us to the past. And in past, we must go to find the future. 'Rang De Basanti' is an effective film based on struggle and the sacrifices this struggle demands from the youth — the torchbearers of the future. The drama here is not a usual formula melodramatic romance filmed at exotic locations. Here we see the attitude of our characters and the change which follows and yet this change has been part of the past so as the French saying goes "The more you change, the more you remain the same." 'Rang De Basanti' introduces us to glorious chapters from the Indian history of freedom and independence from the British Raj and it also carries a social commentary on contemporary India. If the thirties in India were seen through young people with patriotism and sacrifice, the youth today may be more casual to demands from life and somewhat lack of commitment may be evident. When the crisis comes, things change and sacrifice comes. The parties, the singing and the dancing can be replaced by something totally different and more meaningful even if at times it has to be violent and reactionary where the price is paid by previous life. A struggle can be launched again like in the past. 'Rang De Basanti' has been described as post-modern flick on pre-independence revolutionaries with rebellion against society and disenchantment. Because of the role of the Air Force, 'Rang De Basanti' did have some problems with the censor and the producer-director was asked to seek clearances from the concerned ministry. The heroes here seem confused but they are all likeable. Of course Aamir Khan leads the list of these likeables. The youth rebellion has been presented recently in 'Hazaroon Khawisheen Aisi' (2005), 'Yuva' (2004), 'Dev' (2004) and 'Fiza' (2000). But 'Rang De Basanti' with A R Rahman's upbeat score seems ahead of its time. The cast and crew of have all performed a remarkable feat by working in a film which clears our doubts, misgivings and suspicions about the youth. The youth can do what their predecessors had earlier achieved. 'Rang De Basanti' is a brave and courageous attempt which clears guilt, shortcomings and faults. The loss has to be made up and people responsible for this loss must face music no matter how loud, atrocious and annoying it becomes. -- regards, Vithur A.R.Rahman - The Adorable Human Being
