The film was released in 1995 and went on to become a great commercial success. AR Rehman's award winning soundtrack is still remembered today.
Ordinary People, Extraordinary Dreams
Munna (Aamir Khan) and Mili (Urmila Mataondkar) are childhood friends. Munna is an orphan who makes a living by selling movie tickets. Mili is an ordinary middle class girl who dreams of making it big in the world of Hindi movies. She jumps at every small role, but those are hard to come by. She even dances in empty studios in her make believe world.
One day her talents finally get noticed, and she is offered the lead role opposite a leading hero (Jackie Shroff). He takes a fancy to his young leading lady, and falls in love with her. Her professional commitments leave less time for Munna, who slowly begins to resent the increasing distance between them, and in the process discovers his true feelings for her. He hesitates to confess his feelings, in the face of her new found stardom, and instead proceeds to make a silent exit from her life.
A Strong Script, And Real Life Characters Enacted With Great Finesse
Rangeela was released in the mid 90's, at a time when innovation and variety were still scarce in Bollywood. The end is predictable from the word go. But it is the performances that take you totally by surprise. It is as if a couple of real life characters walked straight off the street into the screen, and the sight of two constantly bickering childhood friends remain etched in one's memory. Aamir Khan is totally in command of his character of a street smart ticket seller, and is matched by an equally strong performance from Urmila as the star struck young movie buff. Jackie Shroff plays the strong silent lover, but looks old for his part. The dialogues are notable for a strong Mumbai flavor, and the hard work that has gone into making such a script come alive is incredible. The director has done his job well, and the editing tight. To a certain extent the thin storyline and weak climax are overcome.
Being a typical commercial entertainer, Rangeela abounds in the Bollywood style songs and dance routines. But Urmila probably made her mark in the Bollywood dance scene, and the film's bold choreography is still remembered to this day. The soundtrack is also counted as one of AR Rehman's finest works, and singer Asha Bhonsle is in her element.
Released in: 1995
Director: Ram Gopal Verma
Starring: Aamir Khan, Urmila Mataondkar, Jackie Shroff
Run time: 142 minutes
Music: AR Rehman
