Rang De Basanti - A Film That became a Movement.

Rang De Basanti - A Film That became a Movement.

Disclaimer: In an earlier article, I wrote about Rang De Basanti being the case study of corruption, but I felt this was not enough, so I decided to write an in-depth analysis into what made this film so endearing to the Indian Diaspora. I would honestly call this a sequel Article.

This film is a story of Sue McKinley, a young Documentary Filmmaker who sets out to make a film based on her Grandfather's Encounter with the revolutionaries which served as an inspiration. With the motive in mind, she sets out on a journey to Delhi and finds the people who are suited in Daljeet Singh, Karan Singhania, Sukhi Ram, Aslam and Lakshman Pandey along with Sonia. Their work on the documentary results in them imbibing a strong sense of Patriotism. Their Patriotism which was asleep at that time had just woken up with the documentary serving as a catalyst and also the demise of one of their friends, a flight pilot in a MIG- 21 crash which the corrupt government used excuses to cover up the crime. A candlelight vigil is held but is broken up. They decide that they have had enough and take law in their hands by killing the corrupt defense minister as well as Karan's Dad who was also complicit in this case. They go and confess their crime to the people and are murdered by the same government whom they were fighting against.

Character Sketches:

Daljeet Singh alias DJ is described in just one line - There are 2 ways to live life. One is to accept things the way they are and the second is to assume responsibility to make changes.

Karan Singhania: He is a frustrated Playboy son of a rich businessman who is corrupt to the core. The feeling of patriotism is so strong for Karan that he ends up confronting his father for his role in the death of his friend which is similar to Chris's confrontation with his dad over his shady past in all my sons.

Laxman Pandey is a Hindutva Activist who initially starts out as a person who fights for his own party but later gets disillusioned by its corrupt tactics and leaves to join the boys in their fight for the truth.

Sukhi Ram is described as a bachelor who is hoping to find a girlfriend for himself later decides to join his buddies in their mission to kill the corrupt system. He is initially afraid of death but later embraces it with a smile.

Aslam Khan is a Muslim guy who comes from a rigid family as his father and brother are against forming alliance with people from other religions. Aslam is different as he is shown to be radical.

Legacy: 

The film not only set the box office registers ringing but it also awakened the youngsters who were entirely fed up with the system. Rakeysh Mehra who directed the film didn't expect that it would cause a social impact on the Indian Diaspora. At the time of its release, The Jessica Lal case witnessed an acquittal of her killer. This resulted in angry people marching off to India Gate and also organizing candlelight vigils to get justice for Jessica Lal and Priyadarshini Mathoo who was also killed. This film inspired youngsters to fight for their rights as citizens of this country. 

In My Opinion, Rang De Basanti is a film that brought out Patriotism and amalgamated it with the youngster life. There was no trace of Jingoism in the film. This has become a class apart on how to bring out the meaning of Patriotism without being too preachy.