Is Ram Gopal Varma’s ‘Rangeela’ Making a Comeback?

Mumbai, Sep 11 (NationPress) Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, whose 1995 hit “Rangeela” is making a comeback on the big screen to celebrate its 30th anniversary in Hindi cinema, expressed that for him, the film has always symbolized aspiration. He believes the re-release offers a unique opportunity for a younger audience to grasp that it marked a significant transformation in how we perceived that particular genre of cinema.

As part of the Ultra Rewind initiative by Ultra Media, this restored version aims to revive the enchantment for long-time enthusiasts while introducing its everlasting charm to new viewers.

In his statement, RGV remarked: “When Rangeela was released, love stories were often trapped in melodramatic clichés that stretched reality. Music was merely a placeholder. For me, Rangeela represented aspiration.”

Reflecting on Urmila Matondkar's character, he stated: “Mili epitomized the everyday individual who dares to dream beyond the ordinary.”

He further elaborated on Aamir Khan and Jackie Shroff’s roles, describing: “Munna and Kamal represent two facets of that journey—the streetwise survivor and the refined star—both authentic, both flawed, and both essential.”

“With this re-release, what excites me is not just nostalgia,” Varma added. “It’s also the opportunity for a new generation to rediscover that same vitality, to appreciate why Rangeela transcended being merely a film, marking a pivotal change in our perspective on that genre.

Ultra Media’s CEO, Sushilkumar Agrawal, expressed excitement, stating, “We are thrilled to bring Rangeela back to theaters. It was a groundbreaking film from the 90s, and this re-release will give both longtime fans and new viewers a chance to celebrate its timeless charm.”

The film was notable for being A. R. Rahman's inaugural Hindi film featuring an original score. Rangeela tells the story of Mili’s dream to become a renowned actress, facing numerous challenges as both Raj Kamal, a famous actor, and Munna, her childhood friend, fall in love with her.

Recently, actress Urmila Matondkar reminisced and stated that the 1995 romantic comedy was never merely a film; it remains a feeling.

She expressed: “Rangeela… It was never just a film; it was, and continues to be, a feeling. Interwoven with profound joy, hope, dreams, ambition, beauty, zest, love, and triumph, it is a grand celebration of life!”

Urmila added that every scene evokes an “instant, childlike smile, transporting us into a realm of innocence and wonder.”

“Each song transcends music; it is a celebration of the Navrasa—the nine emotions of Indian literature and poetry: shringaar (love), hasya (laughter), karun (sorrow), rodra (anger), veer (courage), bhayanak (fear), bibhitsa (disgust), adbhut (wonder), and shaant (peace).”

She concluded: “An innocent girl steps onto the silver screen and captures hearts with her charm and purity, guiding the audience on a timeless journey filled with beauty, poetry, life, and love.”

“I am certain that even today, it has the ability to whisk you back to that first moment—when you laughed, cheered, and fell in love with its magic. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your lives, for embracing me with so much love, and for placing me in a position that few can even dare to dream of… and even fewer are truly blessed to achieve. Your appreciation and love have been the most significant blessings of my journey. Cheers to love, life, and laughter! Ho Jaa Rangeela Re.