'Rang De Basanti' chosen for first Mauritius Film Festival
To mark the 50th anniversary of its independence, Mauritius is holding the first ever Mauritius International Film Festival during October 5-8. On the occasion, it will screen films themed on freedom and independence from around the world. From India, the cult 'Rang De Basanti' (2006) by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra has been chosen. Mehra has also been invited as a guest of honor.
A decade ago, RDB released and left a deep mark in the Indian movie industry. It redefined patriotism and turned out to be a film "that became a moment". Starring reputed actors like Aamir Khan and Madhavan, it told of a group of carefree youths whose lives change when one of their friends, an IAF pilot, is killed in a MiG crash.
The first draft of the movie, then named 'The Young Guns of India', was made in 1997-98. It was initially supposed to narrate Chandrashekhar Azad's story along with other freedom fighters. Neither Aamir Khan nor Madhavan were the first choices; Khan told Mehra that 'while he was narrating the script, every bone in his body was shouting no'.
At the Festival, Mehra, who has made other hit films like 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' and 'Delhi 6', will also take part in a Film Directing Masterclass with director and actor Justin Chadwick.
