Rang De Basanti

I saw Rang De Basanti on the 29th of Jan, 2006, a far cry from my desire to see it on the day of its release. The theatre that I go to was sold out by the time I reached the ticket counter. Anyway, its taken me about 2 weeks to find some time to write about the movie.

Immediately after I saw the movie I thought it was great. Even after 2 weeks I have similar feelings. The fact that the feeling has persisted over two weeks which is a really long time for someone like me could mean something - but then again this is just me.

The best thing about the movie, I thought, was the juxtaposition of the past and the present. Before 15th August 1947 we wanted to free ourselves from the Brits - now its the turn to free ourselves from the morons who rule us. At times you could hardly feel the difference. I always believed you are who you elect - yes, we are a bunch of morons.

The other thing that struck me was the fact that we have directors who are willing to take on the establishment and we have an establishment which is willing to let the country see its flaws. There is hope that one day we could have some real freedom of expression.

One more thing. Can Menaka Gandhi not back off once in a while? Whats her problem? Is she not able to appreciate the difference between art and reality?