the movie ...

follow up to my earlier post on Rang De Basanti

Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra – the man behind the lens … shows me some aspects of our capital and thereabouts that make me want to drive down those roads (and chopper rides!)
This movie is one of the few few really few movies where I was antsy – every bit of the interval – I could not get the previous 90 minutes or the impact of it out of my mind! I was at a loss of words! Bluffmaster had impressed me a few weeks ago and promised that smooth directors are here to stay – transitioning crapola Bollywood into classy Indian cinema – but this effort went even beyond that!
The Actors –
Siddharth Narayan – need to watch out for this dude – he’s played this rich cynical kid who thinks that all is lost with India – not a very tough role to play but he’s done a brilliant job – really impressive
Kunal Kapoor – I really loved him Meenaxi (the only thing I liked in that movie for sure!) – and he continues to impress. Impressed with his acting.
Aamir Khan – here is an actor who seldom fails to impress! I like Aamir a lot but I’m not a die-hard fan or anything like that. This one scene in the movie where he bursts out crying – says it all – definitely one of the best actors around!
Atul Kulkarni – plays his usual self – fine actor – fine performance
Sharman Joshi – good comic relief – although was overshadowed by everyone else around him!
Khoon Chala – still can see the picturization of this song – my hair stood on its end! Brilliant stuff.
Roobaroo – still am coming to terms with the way this song was shot – awesome, yet left you wanting for more …
Superb stuff … all credit to Rakeysh. His camera work is superb – gives you an “sitting out there” feel – love it. Could see shades of the camera motion in Battlestar Galactica out there! His direction is classy – a seamless blend of Shyam Benegal and James Cameroon (albeit the special effects).
Farhan Akhtar impressed me with Dil Chahta Hai and then even more with his followup Lakshya.
Rakeysh definitely impressed with Aks, but he goes miles more with Rang De Basanti – here is a director who finally delivers a movie with all the fun … and a story!
Cannot wait for his next venture …

and yes - the movie still keeps me awake sometimes - making me think about what I should be doing for India.