Rang De Basanti - An Open Letter To Rakeysh Mehra

Manan Singh Katohora — Tue, 7 Feb 2006 01:07:19 EST

Dear Sir,

Thank you, sir, for giving us Rang De Basanti. Us, as in Indians around the globe, and our generation. I just got back from the 10:30 PM show of Rang De Basanti[ImaginAsian theater in Manhattan NY]. I didn't want to wait till morning to write this and send it out, its impossible to ignore this adrenaline rush.

I didn't really care much for your previous film, AKS. Technically brilliant, I thought it was a an average remake of FALLEN meets FACE/OFF, and lots of over acting. But with this movie you have redeemed yourself and you have redeemed INDIAN CINEMA.

Thank you, Sir, for giving us one of the best Indian movies in decades. A movie for all age groups. A movie that is entertaining, thought-provoking and knows no boundaries. My American friend, she could relate to the issues raised, and even she was moved to tears. This movie that tells us to be careful about people we elect and place at pedestals, has come at a very appropriate moment, from global point of view. Because this issue is not limited to India alone. A similar message is being send out to American youth, for the upcoming elections through various Public Service Announcements.

Thank you, Sir, for giving us such an emotional film. For Indian-Americans like me, spending our life here with our family and friends, we have come to accept this foreign-land as our HOME, even though what we love to see, wear, hear, do and feel is and will always be INDIAN. Dil hamesha hindustani rahega.

My youngest sister, Isha, will be 21 in 10 days. She called me last weekend from Boston. I was not sure it was my kid sister on the other end, she suddenly sounded so mature. She was so excited to watch Rang De Basanti with her friends, and she went on and on about how great the movie is. This is the effect of the movie on a girl who was raised here in USA. She is looking forward to her first trip to India this summer. She wants to visit all those places in Delhi, where this movie was shot.

I am looking forward to Karan Johar's Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, I enjoyed Old Boy remake ZINDA, I can't wait for Farhan's take on DON - but "Thank you Sir" for giving us aspiring filmmakers and Indian Cinema, such a benchmark.

God bless Ronnie Screwwala and UTV Motion Pictures for producing this film.

God bless Kamlesh Pandey for this original innovative story.

God bless Siddharth, Alice Patten, Soha Ali Khan, Kunal Kapoor, Aamir Khan, Atul Kulkarni and Sharman Joshi [and in that order] for bringing the story alive with their powerful heart-warming performances.

God bless AR RAHMAN, for the brilliant melodies in the movie, and the background score.

The first thing the Goverment of India should do is make this movie TAX-FREE.

This movie should be shown nationwide on every national holiday.

This movie should be shown to every kid, every young soul in India.

Thank you Sir for giving us hope, with this classic.

Jai Mata Di - Manan Singh Katohora
[FILMMAKER - Flavors, Arya, When Kiran Met Karen]

Desicritics on Rang De Basanti

Desicritics Author: Manan Singh Katohora

Rang De Basanti - An Open Letter To Rakeysh Mehra