Rangeela Review

Rangeela was a phenomenon, because it played a crucial part in the careers of five people - Urmila, Aamir, Jackie, Rahman and Verma. All of them had either a point or two to prove (Aamir was playing a new genre, and Ram Gopal Varma and Rahman were making their Hindi debut) or a career to save (Jackie and Urmila).

Aamir Khan hogs the major share of the movie with his antics, bringing a typical Mumbai tapori to life on screen. He plays Munna, a tough talking road-chhaap guy, whose main profession is to sell film tickets in black. He is an orphan, befriended by a family, which includes an effervescent Mili (Urmila). Mili is a movie extra, who dreams of becoming a movie star. Munna and Mili are always pulling each other's leg. Mili finally strikes gold when she is spotted dancing by Raj Kamal (Jackie Shroff), a famous actor. He brings her for auditions, and she is selected for the heroine's part.

Then the story goes on with Raj Kamal falling for Mili, Munna falling for Mili, and Mili too busy in the making of the movie to notice any of this. Munna, feeling inferior, decides to leave Mili to Raj Kamal. The matter isn't resolved yet, as Mini gets a hang of the situation.

The main assets of the movie are the music and Aamir Khan. The music, by Rehman, was a big hit, with some beautiful songs like Kya Kare, Tanha Tanha, and Hai Rama. Aamir Khan, in his role as a tapori, won many a heart. Munna is a beautifully etched character, who is funny and touching.

The comedy is derived from playing on Munna's idiosyncrasies, especially so in a hotel scene, which is one of the highlights of the movie. Jackie Shroff has the role of a serious guy - brooding over heartbreak, passionate in his love for Mili. Urmila has a balanced role, but her best comes out in the dances, which are well choreographed. She is at her sensuous best here, something, which Ramu can take all the credit for. He reinvented Urmila, single-handedly.

The movie industry aspect is cleverly underplayed by him. This is one movie that should definitely not be missed.