"Paint me with the colors of spring."
By eileenleyva
@eileenleyva (27555)
Philippines
March 9, 2021 1:35am CST
I watched the movie "Rang de Basanti" before I googled the translation. That is what it means - 'paint me with the colors of spring.'
The movie revolves around the story of carefree college boys catapulted into a cause after the tragic demise of their friend, an ace pilot.
That would have been a plot that could already hold a movie. What is interesting is the superimposition of another story from the Revolution of India against England in 1926. The story of a Bhagat Singh came alive from the diary of an Englishman who sent the revolutionaries to the gallows.
Lest this be a spoiler for those who would want to watch this movie, I further say no more but highly recommend this movie.
My thanks to @ptrikha_2 for suggesting this universally relevant movie for viewing. Didn't expect the lesson in history juxtaposed with the present times utilized as cinematic technique could be so powerful that I got glued to the tube even during the dance scenes. Brilliant.
I did read the subtitles all throughout. Gosh, India does produce poets like no other in the world today. What a beautiful title - 'Paint me with the colors of spring.'
12 people like this
10 responses
@Laurakemunto (13787)
• Kenya
9 Mar 21
Indians are so talented and I do love poetry too. There's one poem I read back in high school it was so cool. I have tried looking for it but in vail but I have to get it one day fingers crossed.
3 people like this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
9 Mar 21
I do think that the translation in the subtitles becomes more poetic because of how lyrical the words are in Hindi.
Yes, the Indians do write superbly. And they have that ability to produce a socially relevant movie without compromising entertainment.
3 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (49775)
• India
9 Mar 21
@eileenleyva
This was one movie which showed that commercial success can come from showing something meaningful and not always from a formula of either romance, action, suspense or high voltage drama.
1 person likes this
@Laurakemunto (13787)
• Kenya
10 Mar 21
@eileenleyva I do agree with you. Diversity is so sweet that's why we need to appreciate one another.
1 person likes this
@arunima25 (93194)
• Bangalore, India
9 Mar 21
I just love this movie. Everything about it..the direction, acting, dialogues and the lyrics of the song. Prasoon Joshi, the lyricist is the best of the current times to beautifully play with words.
What you have found is the literal translation. "Rang de Basanti" was a poem written by Bhagat Singh himself. He hummed and sang it to motivate himself and his other friends. Basanti is taken as colour of joy, pride, valour, sacrifice and promise to the motherland. He wanted his mother to dye his dress in basnati colour. That was the symbol to let her mom not worry about the young son as he is all soaked in basanti color and is free from the worries of world. He is all set to sacrifice his life in name of motherland .
2 people like this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
9 Mar 21
Thanks very much for this information. Such a character Bhagat Singh is. His verses become him. Is he a national hero?
Got totally engrossed watching the movie and learning more about India. Your history is so rich that the people should really preserve culture and tradition. The corruption, I know, was introduced by the colonizers. A parallel case to us. Our leaders have also become corrupt.
Here's something interesting. I think Bhagat Singh's story has come to our shores just around the time of his valor and self-sacrifice because Bagatsing is a Filipino surname.
Which brings me to an important point - he must be remembered in the annals of history.
2 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (49775)
• India
9 Mar 21
@eileenleyva
Bhagat Singh was a revolutionary who had the courage to face the much more stringer and tyrannical British forces.
He choose to surrender but after boldly proclaiming his love for mother India and his vow to see India free.
His legend lives till date.
2 people like this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
12 Mar 21
Yes, our fellow mylotter Arunima Singh explained that and said it was derived from a poem.
But thank you very much, for further clarifying. Now I understand very well.
2 people like this
@anil02 (24688)
• India
12 Mar 21
@eileenleyva Yes it is derived from a poem and it is favorite poem of Bhagat Singh. It is also song of one movie.
2 people like this
@cmoneyspinner (9218)
• Austin, Texas
10 Mar 21
That is a beautiful title. I would have to hunt for it with English subtitles. Thanks for the suggestion.
2 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (49775)
• India
11 Mar 21
@cmoneyspinner
Yes it would be good if you can find with English subtitles.
2 people like this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
12 Mar 21
According to our fellow mylotter Arunima Singh (I forgot to ask her if she shares the family line), that the title is actually a -
" "Rang de Basanti" was a poem written by Bhagat Singh himself. He hummed and sang it to motivate himself and his other friends. Basanti is taken as colour of joy, pride, valour, sacrifice and promise to the motherland. He wanted his mother to dye his dress in basnati colour. That was the symbol to let her mom not worry about the young son as he is all soaked in basanti color and is free from the worries of world. He is all set to sacrifice his life in name of motherland ."
Netflix copy has English subtitles.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (98072)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
10 Mar 21
Thank you for the review. Sounds like an interesting movie/
2 people like this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
12 Mar 21
There is so much more to the movie than the teaser written for the purpose of discussion. Indeed, this Bollywood production is overwhelming. Two plots in one movie. And considering the length of time allotted for viewing, the characters in both plots were well developed. Stroke of genius there for the writer and the director. The presentation also shifts from highly intense drama to some breathers that show tradition - like tightly-knit family.
2 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (49775)
• India
12 Mar 21
@eileenleyva
Now it looks as if you have liked the movie even more than me
Have a great Friday!
Have a great Friday!1 person likes this
@ptrikha_2 (49775)
• India
12 Mar 21
@eileenleyva
Yes. Even though I have watched it a few times, I am thinking of watching it again.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
12 Mar 21
I am not Indian but it made me cry, too.
1 person likes this
@ptrikha_2 (49775)
• India
9 Mar 21
Thanks for my mention. I am glad that you liked the movie.
Somehow the movie used to bring an emotional connect.
It juxtaposes two different times.
Yet somewhere it shows the fault lines - our political and in a way the social systems can be so cruel to the aspirations of the young and deserving.
And perhaps turning rebellious and against the system looks justified.
In a way this all makes the movie have a universal appeal.
1 person likes this
@ptrikha_2 (49775)
• India
12 Mar 21
@eileenleyva
Perhaps Myanmar also needs it's Bhagat Singhs.
1 person likes this
@ptrikha_2 (49775)
• India
12 Mar 21
@eileenleyva
The situation in Myanmar is indeed worsening. Yet if they are imposed economic sanctions, it would hurt the common people a lot more.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
12 Mar 21
The theme is indeed universal. Currently happening to the youth in Myanmar.
True, corruption is an evil that curtails the lives of the youth. Bhagat Singh offered the supreme sacrifice. A young twenty year old martial artist named Angel also expired with a bullet on her head when she joined the protesters against the military junta.
Then as now, young lives had been taken by ruthless creatures who prowl on the nation's coffers. The same battle cry of the youth in the French Revolution as depicted in Les Miserables.
1 person likes this
@ptrikha_2 (49775)
• India
9 Mar 21
@jstory07
Yes one of the best ever Bollywood movies.
Do watch it if you get it with subtitles.
2 people like this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
9 Mar 21
I was surprised by the creativity put in the production. This is a historical and socially relevant movie with love story, friendship, heroism, valor, awakening, dance and music.
Two thumbs up.
Better yet, it's a 10 over 10 rating.
2 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (49775)
• India
12 Mar 21
@TheHorse
Not only dancing, but agony of going through a distorted and merciless system, corruption, patriotism and a basic theme which cuts across barriers.
As per me one of the best of the Bollywood.
2 people like this
@TheHorse (238342)
• Walnut Creek, California
12 Mar 21
@eileenleyva I take it the dance is "tasteful" when tied in with poetry? I am far from a "prude," but I am tired of the "nasty" dancing that has invaded so much of American culture.
1 person likes this
@erictsuma (9725)
• Mombasa, Kenya
9 Mar 21
It seems to be a very nice movie. I will also watch this movie. I like watching Indian movies because they have very good story line and they also embrace traditions.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
9 Mar 21
Guaranteed the movie you will remember.
I think I will become a Bollywood convert also.
2 people like this
