Rang De Basanti (2006)

Name: Rang De Basanti
Genre: Comedy, Drama, History, Romance
Released: 2006-01-26
Duration: 2 h 37 min
Cast: Aamir Khan, Siddharth, Kunal Kapoor, Sharman Joshi, Atul Kulkarni

26 January 20062h 37mHindiIndia

UAComedy Drama History Romance

7.1/10TMDB · 534 votes

DirectorRakeysh Omprakash Mehra

StarringAamir Khan, Siddharth, Kunal Kapoor, Sharman Joshi

Watch onAmazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, JioHotstar

Best for: Viewers who like ensemble dramas that mix friendship, history and a call to conscience.

Where to watch Rang De Basanti online in India

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Availability for India, data by JustWatch. Updated 24 October 2026.

Rang De Basanti story (no spoilers)

After graduating from Delhi University, a group of friends drift around their old campus with little direction. Their routine changes when a British filmmaker casts them in her film about freedom fighters under British rule. The group is largely apolitical, but the tragic death of a friend due to local government corruption awakens their patriotism. Inspired by the freedom fighters they portray, the friends collectively decide to avenge the killing. The film blends comedy, drama, history and romance as it follows their shift from indifference to action.

Should you watch Rang De Basanti?

Watch it for

Aamir Khan leads the cast as Daljit 'DJ' Singh, alongside Siddharth, Kunal Kapoor, Sharman Joshi and Atul Kulkarni.
Director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra blends comedy, drama, history and romance in a 157-minute film.
A.R. Rahman composed the music for this Hindi film that also includes English and Punjabi dialogue.
The story connects a modern-day friend group with freedom fighters under British rule, giving the tagline 'A Generation Awakens' its weight.

Skip it if

The 157-minute runtime mixes four genres, which may feel long if you prefer a single, straightforward tone.
The plot turns on political awakening and revenge after a friend's death, so it is not a light comedy throughout.
If you want purely historical action, the film spends much of its time on present-day Delhi University graduates.

Rang De Basanti cast

Aamir Khanas Daljit 'DJ' Singh

Siddharthas Karan Singhania

Kunal Kapooras Aslam Khan

Sharman Joshias Sukhi

Atul Kulkarnias Laxman Pandey

Alice Pattenas Sue McKinley

Soha Ali Khanas Sonia

R. Madhavanas Ajay Rathod

Waheeda Rehmanas Mrs. Rathod

Kirron Kheras Mitro

Steven Mackintoshas James McKinley

Anupam Kheras Rajnath Singhania

Rang De Basanti movie details

Director	Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
Writer	Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Renzil D'Silva
Music	A.R. Rahman
Cinematography	Binod Pradhan
Producer	Ronnie Screwvala, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
Release date	26 January 2006
Runtime	2h 37m (157 minutes)
Original language	Hindi
Country of origin	India
Languages spoken in the film	English, Hindi, Punjabi
Original title	रंग दे बसंती
Certificate (India)	UA
Budget	$2.2 million (approx.)
Worldwide box office	$11.5 million (approx.)

Parental guide: is Rang De Basanti family friendly?

ViolenceModerate

LanguageMild

Sexual contentMild

Family viewingNot ideal

This is a general guide based on the UA certificate and the film's mix of drama and historical conflict; parents may want to check specifics for younger viewers. This is a general guide based on genre and certification.

Rang De Basanti official trailer

Our verdict

Rang De Basanti works because it takes a group of aimless friends and ties their story to freedom fighters without losing the easy banter. Aamir Khan and the ensemble keep the 157 minutes moving, and A.R. Rahman's music gives the film its pulse. It is a drama that asks what it takes to wake up, and it earns its tagline.