Rang de Basanti was a box office sensation when it premiered in 2006, and it has remained a much-loved and much-seen staple of Hindi cinema in the years since. The film chronicles the growing historical awareness in a group of aimless young people once they are cast in a film about revolutionaries during India’s struggle for independence. This awareness turns to disillusion as they confront modern-day governmental and industrial indifference and corruption. In fact, the film’s nationalism as well as its trenchant critique of the present-day government created no small controversy. The ensemble cast, featuring several male stars, is anchored by Soha Ali Khan’s performance as the young woman at the core of the group of friends. – DP