Watch Rang Birangi

Rang Birangi is a lighthearted and charming Indian film from 1983 directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, starring Amol Palekar, Parveen Babi, and Farooq Shaikh. The film is a romantic comedy that touches upon several serious themes, including the importance of honesty in relationships and the tussle between traditional values and modernity.

The movie revolves around Ajay Sharma (Amol Palekar), a young photographer who lives a frugal life with his wife and sister-in-law in Mumbai. One day, Ajay's boss and close friend, Nagesh (Farooq Shaikh) seeks his help in pretending to be in an illicit affair with his employer's daughter, Neeta (Parveen Babi), in order to save his job. Ajay reluctantly agrees to the plan, but things take an unexpected turn when Neeta begins to fall in love with him.

While the story initially revolves around their inauthentic relationship, it quickly turns into a tug-of-war between Ajay's morals and his desires. He finds it increasingly challenging to keep his emotions in check as Neeta adds fuel to the fire by making advances towards him. Along with this, the movie also delves into other relationships, including the one between Ajay and his wife, who resents him for neglecting her in favor of his career.

The characters in Rang Birangi are well-defined and are portrayed with a depth that reveals their complexity. Amol Palekar plays Ajay with an earnest charm that makes it easy to root for him even as he grapples with his moral dilemma. Parveen Babi as Neeta is confident and alluring, but also vulnerable at times. Farooq Shaikh as Nagesh is the perfect foil to Ajay's character, displaying a wit and humor that balance out some of the film's heavier moments.

In addition, the movie's supporting cast also plays a significant role in the story. Deepti Naval, as Ajay's wife, is outstanding as she brings out the pain and frustration of a young woman whose husband has lost interest in her. Utpal Dutt, as Neeta's father, is a scene-stealer with his eccentricity and outlandish behavior.

The music of Rang Birangi is memorable and catchy, with songs like "Phoolon Ke Rang Se" and "Shaam Bhi Khoob Hai" that still resonate with Indian audiences today. S.D Burman's music is a key contributor to the film's overall lightness and fun.

One of the most notable aspects of Rang Birangi is its ability to handle serious themes with a light touch. The movie deals with infidelity, differences in relationships, and societal expectations in a way that is relatable and authentic. The script and dialogues are witty and provide a glimpse of middle-class life in India in the early 80s.

Overall, Rang Birangi is a feel-good movie that is perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon, and it is a testament to Hrishikesh Mukherjee's genius as a filmmaker. The film is the epitome of Hindi cinema's golden era when storytelling was the most crucial element of a movie, and the characters were rooted in reality.