6 Reasons Why Rangeela Was A Game Changer

 1995 has truly blessed us with first-rate Indian cinema; apart from the much-talked-about Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, there came an exceptionally riveting RGV-film which Shekhar Kapur himself called as 'The film of the 21st century, with great music and visuals.' 

Rangeela was a game changer in many ways: it was Manish Malhotra's breakthrough, A.R. Rahman's first Hindi film album, Urmila Matondkar became the talk of the town, Asha Bhosle's career got a boost with this film, and of course, apart from establishing careers of so many technicians and people who work behind the camera, the film was undoubtedly ahead of its time in contrast to the films made during the time which had dated plots and storylines.

Opening Credits

The idea to begin the film by flashing on screen the images of his most beloved Sridevi, and others, as a tribute to legendary actors and actresses for their immense contribution to the Indian Cinema, was a clever and genuine attempt by Ram Gopal Varma. 

Music

What people have always neglected in Rangeela's music is the eroticism of it without retaining a single venereal word its songs. 'He wants to convey beauty through his music, so the words have to do the same,' says Vincent Jerry. Interestingly enough, Rahman's genius was acknowledged much later after he first came up with his tracks. When Varma ordered a highly erotic song and Rahman came up with Hai Rama, Varma hated it. But that's the part of his genius; it takes time to comprehend his music, and when you finally do, it gets only better as you listen it over and over again. Varma writes, 'The aesthetics of his song tracks are beyond comparison with any other music director's.'

Visuals 

The film laid more stress on its visual appeal than any of the films made at the time. It was authentically appealing through the colourful clothes, dreams, fantasies, and the song sequences. Though not many people know that the name 'Rangeela' was primarily based on the character of Munna by Aamir Khan, who played the role of a Mumbaiya Tapori in the film. But Urmila Matondkar seemed to have had such a huge impact on the public with her sexy dance moves and her gorgeously sensual character of Mili that it was she who eventually became synonymous with the title after the success of the film. 

Rangeela Re

The way that a film could start with such a bang was not very common those days. The Rangeela Re song sequence basically portrayes what the film is all about: Mili's dream of becoming an actor, her optimism, her fantasies, and has thus depicted the candy-coloured view of the Indian cinema. This sequence is highly relevant and applicable at the start of the film because it, sort of, introduces us to what is to come. It unquestionably leaves a mark. 

Choreography 

Saroj Khan's and Ahmed Khan's choreography and Urmila's electrifying dance performances makes her a provocative sexual goddess. It reinvented the image of a Bollywood heroine. Urmila Matondkar had become every male's fantasy.  As a matter of fact, Ram Gopal Varma was inspired by Urmila's dance moves on the sets of a previous Telugu film, which made him want to cast her in Rangeela.

Costumes

Manish Malhotra's costume designs were an eye opener; knotted tops, hot pants, colourful printed skirts and dresses with boots, and the famous yellow suit of Aamir Khan, it all became a trend. Manish says, 'To me, fashion is colour. So, there was the tangerine dress in Tanha Tanha and the red chiffon dress that Urmila was wearing while running on sand, to the athleisure outfit when she was dancing.'