Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra reveals what will happen if Rang De Basanti is made today | Exclusive

Bhaag Milkha Bhaag turned 10 earlier this year. Directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, the Farhan Akhtar starrer biographical sports drama had a special screening in Mumbai on July 26, while now it is out in theatres as a special relaunch in more than 30 cities.

The talented filmmaker informed OTTplay in a recent interview that the re-release is very special as the producer, P. S. Bharathi, has adapted the film for the hearing impaired people. In cinemas, the special release sees visuals of the film running together with a sign language video in a box beside it. Talking about how this film has a special corner, Mehra shared a few more anecdotes about Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, 17 years of Rang De Basanti, his journey in the film industry and more. Excerpts:

Farhan Akhtar has not been very consistent in acting and we don't remember him seeing in such tough roles before Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, what convinced you that he is the one back in 2013?

I remember when I spoke to Farhan about this thought, we immediately thought that this film should be made and we should collaborate for the venture. Feelings cannot be described in words, it was a feeling that engrossed us to do this film together. 

Also Read: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra on 10 years of Bhaag Milkha Bhaag: Milkha Singh is not with us anymore, but he lives forever | Exclusive

Which scene is your personal favourite from the film?

There have been a lot of memorable scenes. However, there are a few scenes that instantly comes to mind. The first one is when Milkha Singh won the race in Lahore and post that takes a victory lap. During that time, he sees his childhood running along with him. So, the darkness and bitterness of the partition start vanishing from his heart. The another one is when after becoming a champion, Milkha Singh returns to his homeland sporting the blazer of India and meets his sister and they both get highly emotional.

What if Rang De Basanti can be made in today's era? How different or similar do you think of the storyline would be along with the pivotal cast?

I think it's been around 17 years now. So I am not sure how to answer this question as it's going to be guesswork if we talk about Rang De Basanti being made now. 

I think I might need to update the story a little bit according to the current events and generation as well as the cast would be different because all the lead actors have grown up a lot now. It was such a lovely time to make this film with the stellar cast that I got including Wahida Rehman, Anupam Kher, Aamir Khan, R Madhavan, Soha Ali Khan and Alice Batten among others. And above all, A R Rehmaan's music. 

If we see your ventures, there is a very small list of films in 23 years, unlike other filmmakers. Do you take time and wait for that perfect script or thought?

So, I also write my films and it takes me 2, to 3 years to pen one movie. After post that, the making takes quite a lot of time, which creates a gap of 4 to 5 years between two projects.

Your film to release on OTT was Toofaan. Is there any other film of yours that you believe would have worked if it was an OTT release?

No, I don't think so. It's nothing like that that what works on OTT can't work in theatres and vice-versa. Working or not working on a film is just a matter of time. However, it remains alive and fresh in people's hearts that's what matters.

What are your plans for directing a web series?

I only know how to make a film. I have no idea about the making and the process of a web series. So, I feel I would stick with what I have been doing for these many years.

Please tell us about your upcoming projects.

I currently have three scripts in process, however, I have not decided on any cast of lead actors for any of the anticipated ventures.