'Rang De Basanti', directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, is a film that gave a new dimension to Indian cinema and changed the direction of films on social issues. This film, released in 2006, is completing 20 years this coming January 26. Due to the powerful performances of Aamir Khan, Sharman Joshi, Siddharth, and other actors, this film made a place in the hearts of the audience. 'Rang De Basanti', which became a topic of discussion across the country, is still considered one of the most memorable films of that era.
Before the 20th anniversary of the film, director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra commented on the difficulties faced during the film's production. At the time of release, this film was also banned, but later former President Pranab Mukherjee praised the film.
Speaking about the difficulties faced by the film, Mehra said, “Rang De Basanti was also banned. We faced it and eventually, the authorities understood the true purpose of the film. At that time, the then Defense Minister Pranab Mukherjee had watched the film. The three chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force had come to watch the film in a theater in Delhi. Later, Pranab Mukherjee became the President of India. From this experience, I learned that one should not think about whether the story will get permission while telling it. Only then do true and honest stories come forward.”
He further said, “If you are only thinking about the results and neglecting the process, then it is wrong. In my opinion, social cinema has always existed and will continue to do so. It always raises questions related to society and citizens.” Aamir Khan, Siddharth, Soha Ali Khan, Sharman Joshi, Kunal Kapoor, and Atul Kulkarni have played important roles in Rang De Basanti directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.
The story of this film revolves around the lives of some careless Indian youths who become part of a documentary based on freedom fighters. As they portray the roles of revolutionary heroes, they become aware of political corruption and injustice. Eventually, they take a bold step that changes not only their lives but also their ideology forever.