The trend of re-localizing films in Bollywood is in full swing, with people often demanding the re-release of certain films on social media. One such film that fans frequently request to be re-released is Aamir Khan’s ‘Rang De Basanti’. Released in 2006, the film had a profound impact on its audience, and its influence can still be felt today.
The film, which won the National Award for ‘Best Popular Film’, was also India’s official entry for the Oscar Awards. However, some fans point out that when it was initially released, it didn’t have a censor board certificate in some theaters. But in today’s era, it’s impossible to release a film without going through the proper channels.
What was the RDB Effect?
The RDB effect refers to the impact ‘Rang De Basanti’ had on the hearts and minds of its viewers. The film tells the story of a foreign girl who comes to India to make a documentary about Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru, Ashfaq Ulla Khan, and Ram Prasad Bismil. She casts a group of carefree college students to play the roles of these revolutionaries. Initially, these students are only in it for fun, but their perspective changes when a friend, a pilot in the Air Force, dies in a MiG-21 crash. The government blames the pilot’s negligence for the accident, sparking outrage among the students. They eventually kill the Defense Minister and are killed themselves in retaliation.
Many people disagreed with the film’s ending, arguing that if citizens started expressing their anger in such a manner, chaos would ensue. However, the film’s portrayal of the students’ peaceful protest, a candle march at India Gate, resonated with the public. The government’s response to this peaceful protest – using police force – was also a pivotal moment in the film.
The Film’s Release and Impact
‘Rang De Basanti’ was released on January 26, 2006, Republic Day. The tagline “A generation awakened” was more than just a phrase – it was a call to action. The film gave voice to the youth of India, and the candle march became a symbol of peaceful protest. The RDB effect was evident in many incidents that followed, including the Jessica Lal murder case. In 1999, the model was shot by the son of a prominent leader, and the acquittal of the accused sparked widespread outrage. The public demanded justice, and the RDB effect was born.
The film’s impact was also seen in the medical students’ protests against reservation in higher education and the Anna movement, which gave rise to a new political party. The RDB effect continued to be felt in various protests, including the Nirbhaya incident. The film’s message of peaceful protest and demanding change resonated with the youth, and it became a rallying cry for a generation.
The Idea Behind the Film
Director Rakesh Omprakash Mehra has spoken about how the idea for ‘Rang De Basanti’ came about. In 1996, he was working on a documentary-drama film in Gujarat, and writer Kamlesh Pandey would often visit him to discuss the armed revolution of young students against the British Empire. Kamlesh shared Bhagat Singh’s last words before his hanging: “More will come after us.” Mehra was inspired by this and later recreated the scene in ‘Rang De Basanti’.
Initially, Mehra and Kamlesh worked on a script titled ‘Young Guns of India’, but they struggled to connect with the youth of today. They realized that the current generation was more interested in dating, studying, and wearing the latest fashion trends than in revolution. The idea was put on hold until the MiG-21 accidents became a pressing issue. The government’s response to these accidents, blaming human error, sparked outrage, and Mehra and Kamlesh decided to create a film that would address these issues.
‘Rang De Basanti’ as an Example of Government Tolerance
The film’s portrayal of the MiG-21 crashes and the subsequent killing of the Defense Minister were contentious issues. Given the current censor board’s functioning, it’s likely that ‘Rang De Basanti’ would have faced significant cuts or even a ban. However, at the time, the censor board laid down only one condition: the film would be passed if the Ministry of Defense had no objections. The Chief of the censor board, Sharmila Tagore, suggested that the Defense Minister, Pranab Mukherjee, watch the film and decide.
Reports indicate that Pranab Mukherjee, along with the heads of the three armies, watched the film but left after the first half, saying his job was to protect the country, not to censor films. The Air Chief Marshal, S.K. P. Tyagi, also stated that their job was not to censor films. Despite being a politically charged film, the government did not create any hindrance to its release. Only a 20-second scene showing Nihang Sikhs participating in a banned horse race was cut from the film. This tolerance is a testament to the government’s appreciation for artistic freedom and the film’s impact on the youth of India.