Directed by: Ketan Mehta
Cast: Randeep Hooda, Nandana Sen, Paresh Rawal, Ashish Vidyarthi, Vikram Gokhle, Rajat Kapoor, Ferena WazeirÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý
Nineteenth century India forms the backdrop for this opulent and colourful classic drama. The film sees the arrest of famous artist Raja Ravi Varma on charges of obscenity, immorality and hurting religious sentiments of the people.
His offence was painting nudes of Indian mythological characters. As the court case began against Verma, so did his love life with Sugandha. Together they created the most amazing works of art.
Colours of Passion
Her beauty inspired him to create exquisite paintings based on themes from Indian mythology and classic literature. She became his inspiration and his love.
Rang Rasiya takes a fascinating look at Raja Ravi Varma’s passions, his obsessions and his fierce struggle for creative freedom.
Born in an aristocratic family of Travancore, Ravi Varma was a genius. His natural talent was recognised early in childhood receiving the patronage of the King Ailyam Thirunal of Travancore. At the Trivandrum Palace he came in contact with the Indian and European painters and learnt to use oil paints.
In 1873, he won the Governor’s gold medal at the ’Madras painting competition’.
Soon, he was awarded the title of ‘Raja’ by King Ailyam Thirunal and became famous for his portrait paintings of the Indian royals and British officers.
Rang Rasiya - Passion of Colours
Acknowledged as the father of Modern Indian Art, he evolved a unique painting style merging the traditional Indian style of painting with the European classic realism.
However, after the death of his patron king, Ravi Varma left Travancore to settle in Bombay. As his reputation spread, so did his desire to explore and expand the horizons of his art.
He was the first to give a face to Hindu Gods and Goddesses by creating their realistic images. Today, over half a billion people pray in front of colourful prints inspired by Ravi Varma paintings.
Under the patronages of Maharaja Sayaji Rao Gaekwad of Baroda, he created a series of paintings based on the great Indian legends and stories.
Like Leonardo Da Vinci and Michael Angelo in Europe, his mythological paintings from the Indian epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata, brought alive the ancient cultural heritage of India.
He was a true pioneer. He dreamt of liberating art from the confines of the temples and palaces reaching out to the common man.
With the help of German printer, Fritz Schleicher, he introduced printing technology in India and soon his art reached homes throughout India.
Raja Ravi Varma was the highest priced Indian painter and originator of what is called ’Calendar Art’. Ravi Varma travelled all across India in search of the ideal attire for the heroines of his paintings. He finally agreed upon the ’sari’.
’Sari’, the attire of Indian women, famous the world over, was in fact made popular by him.
Nandana Sen as Sugandha
Dada Saheb Phalke, considered as the father of Indian cinema started his career as an apprentice with Raja Ravi Varma. Early Indian cinema derived its imagery primarily from Ravi Varma paintings.
Rang Rasiya is directed by one of most acknowledged filmmakers in India, Ketan Mehta. His last film, The Rising, was one of the most successfully acclaimed films of 2005 attracting a huge crossover audience in UK cinemas.
Other films which made an impact include Mirch Masala, Maya Memsaab, Sardar, Bhavni Bhavai and Holi.
The musical score for Rang Rasiya has been composed by Sandesh Shandilya. His past works include Karan Johar’s Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Arjun Sajnani’s Agni Varsha, Ram Gopal Varma’s Road and Sudhir Mishra’s Chameli.
Rang Rasiya received raved reviews when it was unveiled at the Cannes Film Festival in 2008. Portions of the film were screened during this prestigious occasion.
The film is all geared for release in February 2009 in selected UK cinemas.
Previewed By Manish Gajjar
´óÏó´«Ã½ Bollywood Correspondent
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