Rang De Basanti Turns 20: The Iconic Film That Almost Faced a Ban

• Rang De Basanti, released on January 26, 2006, celebrates its 20th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in Indian cinema.
• Director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra conceived the film to bridge the gap between India's youth and the freedom struggle, juxtaposing contemporary students with revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh.
• The film faced a temporary ban and resistance from authorities due to its themes of rebellion and critique of corruption, but was eventually released after Mehra's efforts.
• Starring Aamir Khan, Sharman Joshi, Siddharth, Kunal Kapoor, Atul Kulkarni, Soha Ali Khan, and Alice Patten, the cast brought Mehra's vision to life with powerful performances.
• Rang De Basanti received critical acclaim, commercial success, a National Film Award, multiple Filmfare Awards, and was India's official entry to the Oscars, leaving a profound cultural legacy.

Why It Matters: Rang De Basanti, a film that almost faced a ban, celebrates 20 years as a cultural phenomenon.