Writer/Director: Ram Gopal Verma
Starring: Aamir Khan, Urmila Matondkar and Jackie Shroff
‘A Captivating Classic’
Few actors in Bollywood are as celebrated today as Aamir Khan. Ever since his rise to stardom in the 1990’s, Khan has proven to be one of the greatest actors in Bollywood. Whether it’s star-crossed lovers, terrorists in danger or professional wrestlers, Khan has suggested he can portray many characters. Arguably, Khan’s strength as an actor is his bravery. Khan has never been afraid to take risks in his career through tackling subjects that prove controversial. Through abilities to play characters which are compelling, Khan has established a legacy which has proven to be compelling. Despite reaching the age of retirement, Khan has never lost his strong passion for producing iconic entertainment. An iconic legend in India, Khan has become a celebrated legend in Bollywood Cinema. Throughout a groundbreaking career, Khan has created several strong movies that are worth watching.
I’m a huge fan of Khan and adore all movies which he has made in his career. However, “Rangeela” definitely stands out as his most underrated movie. Released in 1995, Ram Gopal Verma’s movie offered a powerful portrait of actresses. Packed with stunning production, engaging storytelling and bold acting, it’s an excellent Bollywood romantic drama. At the centre of it all is an amazing performance by Aamir Khan, who portrays a ruthless gangster facing tension. Ultimately, what makes “Rangeela” a timeless classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most Bollywood movies, it discusses bold themes everyone would relate to. A breathtaking Bollywood romantic drama, there are several reasons why “Rangeela” is a movie that’s definitely worth watching.
“Rangeela” tells the story of a young woman that strives to become a famous actress in India. Urmila Matondkar plays Mili, a young woman with strong ambitions to become an actress with authority. Mili shares a strong bond with her childhood companion Munna (Aamir Khan), whom she has always loved dearly. However, Mili’s life forever changes when she falls in love with a famous actor. Raj Kamal (Jackie Shroff) is a celebrated actor that takes an immediate liking toward Mili. As all the odds are stacked against her favour, Mili questions whether she will ever find a lover. Facing a dilemma, Mili wonders whether it’s possible to become an actress in India.
Ram Gopal Verma is a newcomer to stories of lovers in India. Before he had directed “Rangeela”, Verma had never made a film in the romantic genre. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the lives of famous actresses seeking prosperity but he pulled it off effectively. Using bold cinematography, Verma captures a young embarking upon a journey to find her identity. Verma expertly uses montages to capture intense hardship faced by women in India. For instance, the montages elevate the actor audition scene. During this unforgettable scene, Mili has an audition for being an actress in the industry. Using montages, Verma creates a portrait of actors that’s compelling. Montages are tricky techniques. As Farhan Akhtar’s “Dil Chahta Hai” suggested, montages elevate Indian movies about friendships. However, it works immensely. Using captivating visuals, Verma captures the tensions that actors are facing.
Another strong aspect of “Rangeela” which merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, it’s one of the best Bollywood movies you will ever see. Evoking Ramesh Sippy’s “Sholay”, Verma effectively uses cross-cutting to create music numbers which prove to be engrossing. For instance, the cross-cutting enhances the Rangeela Re song. During this unforgettable scene, Mili engages in a song expressing her views on romance. Using bold cross-cutting, Verma creates musical sequences which prove to be captivating. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. It gives the film an engaging atmosphere capturing the burdens famous actors bear. Through stunning production, Verma captures famous actresses facing tension.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Rangeela” is a Bollywood film that’s truly engaging. Verma’s screenwriting strength is capturing tension that actresses experience through silence. Throughout the film, Mili adopts an attitude of silence whenever she has obstacles to experience. For instance, silence elevates the breakup scene. During this unforgettable scene, Mili has an intense breakup with her childhood lover that leaves her in the state of silence. Through silence, Verma creates a portrait of childhood love absences can relate to. Silence is a complex technique to use in movies. As Aamir Khan’s “Taare Zameen Par” proved, silence often enhances Indian movies about intellectual disability. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through a strong screenplay, Verma captures actresses that experience a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Aamir Khan delivers one of his best career performances as Munna. Khan achieved appreciation for playing cricket players in classic Bollywood films. With “Rangeela”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to play a small town gangster facing tragedy but he succeeds immensely. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and utterly emotional in his most complex role. Through riveting expressions, he captures the angst, bravery and resentment of a gangster. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the finest actors in Bollywood today.
While the movie is mainly a showcase for Aamir Khan, the supporting cast is superb and worthy of praise. Urmila Matondkar is magnificent, capturing the strong nature of a woman that seeks to become an actress with a bright future. Jackie Shroff is superb, capturing authoritative nature of an actor seeking success in a competitive industry. Lastly, Gulshan Grover merits appreciation. As a small town crook, he is unforgettable.
Finally, “Rangeela” would earn the praise of everyone for capturing actresses in India. Unlike most Bollywood movies made in the 1990’s which are outdated today, it tackles bold themes that everyone would relate to. It discusses strong themes such as bravery, career and mental health that would truly resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with Indian culture to enjoy it. Therefore, “Rangeela” is one of those rare Bollywood movies which everyone will truly adore.
Fans of Aamir Khan would absolutely enjoy “Rangeela” and so would audiences which seek meaningful entertainment. A riveting Bollywood romantic drama, it celebrates an actor with charisma in India.
Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking Bollywood movie about an Indian woman seeking to become a famous actress with prosperity, it’s a bold reminder of a beloved Indian actor that has created a lasting legacy through his abilities to portray compelling characters in memorable movies audiences love dearly.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 