Rang De Basanti, directed by Rakesh Omprakash Mehra, remains a landmark in Indian cinema. Despite being mainly a movie for the youth, it found appeal in all age groups.
The story follows DJ, Sukhi, Karan, Aslam and Sonia- five feisty and loyal friends who have graduated from Delhi University, but hesitate to get out into the real world, and still roam the campus. Then comes Sue, straight from the UK, who having found her grandfather’s diary recording the lives of freedom fighters, is determined to make her film on the same topic, despite the shortage of funds. Introduced to the others by Sonia, she develops a strong bond with the rest, and especially with DJ. She persuades them to act in the film, and even persuades a Hindutva-vadi student party-worker to take the role of Ramprakash Bismil. Gradually the friends ponder over their roles and the lives of the selfless freedom-fighters, and in the face of a tragedy, realize that they too, like Bhagat Singh and Azad, must take action, to ensure that their now corrupt and poverty-laden country, awakens and the guilty do not go unpunished. How they do it, makes for an engrossing second-half.
The movie has scenes of historic incidents, juxtaposed with the present day- a truly artistic vision. The spontaneous acting and fantastic direction make for a brilliant watch. Inspiring all those who watch it to take action and not lie around listlessly, to feel patriotic and not ashamed of the country, it lives up to its tag line – A Generation Awakens.

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