.. thats how movies should be..

Rating: 9/10 (4 February 2006)

A line in the musical "Bombay Dreams" reminds me of a frequent dilemma with us Bolly-Holly-woodians - "Motivating, penetrating, That's how movies could be. Heroes flying, villains dying That's how movies could be" Should we continue living with happy endings? But there are "those who want to learn, those who like to think" ..
I am a firm believer that the optimum lies somewhere in between. But mixtures often turn into worse recipes, as some popular "khichdi" mixes from both Bolly and Hollywood have shown. So, here is the first complement for Rang De Basanti, Mr. Director, you have succeeded in giving us just the right mix of the two and the taste is like never before. I will not argue as to whether the climax presented in the movie is stupid/idiotic/brave/fit or perfect. Nor will I say whether it left the audience stirred or nonchalant. All this for a simple reason.. the appreciation of the movie is simply beyond such subjective criterion. Here is how this medium of expression crossed terrestrial movie making -
1) The script. Very Original and fresh.. 2) A thoroughly unbiased view of the society, picking the good and the bad in each 3) Wonderful music.. Rehman vindicates himself after Lagaan .. among the best fits to the scenes I have ever seen in Hindi movies. 4) Lyrics - I had to bring it out separately.. try listening to Luka Chuppi, Roobaroo.. in fact all others again 5) Acting - Talk of a superstar and here is one who never forced himself on the audience(unlike others whose presence diverts your focus from the movie).. consistent acting/dialogs by everyone. 6) For not being afraid to break the "happy ending" legacy 7) Good use of the time line and the transitions.. could have kept it a little more subtle though 7) Sheer overall impact !!
In the end, everyone had his/her own share of heroes, villains, motivation, grudges, chance to learn and a chance to hum. More than anything, such movies give bollywood viewers an alternative to dumb superstar blockbusters or the penetrating art movies.. its a genre in its own.. and i would say.. thats how movies should be.