kaushal agrawal A great Indian movie reflecting how India restored her historical temple of culture and civilization, gods and goddesses, people and rulers. The movie is filmed a century backwards, and it captures the social elements which has been the main reason why the Indian history has not been fostered by its people so long.The central character, who is an independent painter, gets inspired with Indian goddesses via a lady he meets in a temple. His talent of painting is his life. Being a human, he can not live with his talents spirited away by new technology of cinematography. He quits painting but gets trapped by law for spreading nudity and false image of gods, in words of a famous community leader. Airs get cleared when he explains his intentions behind these paintings which prove to be an unforgettable contribution in bringing back the nation's history and culture.The movie is plotted in Kerala, a south Indian state and it holds a very nice illustration of people and families living there. Visual effects have been successful in rendering the lifestyle those people enjoy. The movie shows how gods in India descended from temples to homes and everywhere, how the third class of society got access to public worshiping. It reflects existence and functioning of social division of 'varnas' which was very prominent in India a century ago.The movie ties up with chronological events like revolts in late 19th century, formation of Indian National Congress, spread of plague etc. It also shows France introducing cinema to India, leading to the formation of Indian film industry by Dada Saheb Phalke, a constant side-role in disguise.Overall, a great movie with almost no flaws, successful in its goal of introducing the viewers to early Indian culture.

Akshat Sheth Story: Based on Desai's novel on Raja Ravi Varma (Randeep Hooda), the film deals with the court case slapped on the iconic artist for painting nude images of women and giving face to Indian Goddesses. Religious gurus filed him for propagating vulgarity and hurting religious sentiments. The film traces his story through his childhood, his marriage, his muses, his love and inspiration from Sugandha (Nandana Sen) who pushed him to deliver his best work and of course about how the fate of that case changed the face of law's perception towards art and censorship.A case whose ruling is relevant even today; despite science taking over, logical and wide thinking hasn't prevailed clearly. The film is an eye opener for many who think limited and judge art from a moralistic point of view.Performances: Randeep Hooda was used in his nascent best. The actor gives his rustic swag a look uncannily different from what we recognize him from. From playing a frivolous flirt in scenes to a heartbroken painter whose muse was socially humiliated because of him, he brings an ethereal quality in his performance delivering undoubtedly his best.Nandana Sen looks radiant in every frame, bringing poignancy to her performance. Vulnerable in love, drawing strength from the same, it's her heartbreak and breakdown of faith that makes the climax so surreal.Paresh Rawal as the the scheming Seth was great. Sachin Khedekar was again good in his part. Even the naive, young and equally stellar Ferena Wazair has done a memorable job.Direction & Screenplay: Rang Rasiya is Ketan Mehta's victory alone. While all may feel his story, it is he alone who has truly empathized with his fellow filmmakers and artists all over the world, who are still suffering the wrath of fake societal norms. In very few terms, Mehta takes on the system and poses pertinent questions – should the views of all govern the views of an artist and why doesn't the common man open himself up from fundamentalist thinking; a critical take on religious leaders whose charisma is borne out of unscientific, often regressive thinking. Mehta wastes little energy on what doesn't fit with the film's theme, focusing solely on Ravi Varma's life and all that pertains to him and his battle in revolutionizing the Indian thinking.The director's delight in conveying cinema is evident in that one scene where Ravi and his friends witness the screening of 'L'Arrivée d'un train en gare de La Ciotat'. The ecstasy in the shot of the moving train is unmissable. Based on a rich tapestry, the film's valiant approach towards art and how Ravi Varma wins the case is significant and the last scene where a gorgeous nude painting of Raja Ravi Varma is destroyed all speaks volumes about how art in democratic India still doesn't have the freedom to remain alive and breathe. A complex and diverse country dominated by people who cannot think freely, Ketan's baseline remains at How free are we?The last word: Smeared in color, vibrancy and sensuality, Rang Rasiya revels in its operatic, dramatic beauty and narrates a liberating tale of love, passion and freedom of vision. Ketan Mehta brings out the best from his actors Randeep and Nandana; especially the latter who unleashes on screen much beyond her sublime beauty, the vulnerability of her character. The inspirational story tells an uninhibited tale of a man who will always remain eternal through his art. I am going with 8/10.

Pratik Chitalia Rang Rasiya as many other reviews say, might not be the perfect piece of art or the perfect commercial film. It is in fact a balanced product which allows even the most common man of India to understand the importance and the relevance of the story. Even though you feel the film maker could have done much better, you cannot deny the fact that there are only a handful of film makers today who even have the guts and desire to make such a film. Rang Rasiya is for the people who are tired of getting fooled at the box office by the likes of HNY, Kick, Shaukeens etc. (the list goes on and on) Rang Rasiya is for the people who are proud of India and its culture, Rang Rasiya is for the people who want to see a new story every time they go to the theaters. Rang Rasiya is revolutionary and inspiring.If you are a Item songs and Diamond heist film fan, If you like your hero who farts and 20 goons go flying in all directions, then this movie is not for you.

Suraj Shetty It has beautiful story line. Randeep Hooda's portrayal of the legendary Raja Ravi Varma is the best performance by him in a long time. Nandana Sen redefines beautify. The story will make you think with creativity. The setting of 19th century India is awesome. The sets in the movie is beautiful. The paintings in the movie looks very real. It has bold statement for today's society. Kudos for the censor board for clearing it. Rang Rasiya is a movie that will definitely change your thinking. An awesome performance with stellar cast and amazing visual. This is certainly a lesson in history that will make you believe. Go and watch it with your friends and family. Ketan Mehta has shared a story that needed to be shared. I give it 10 stars.