When a 40-something enigmatic star lives out a 25-something hero on screen, it’s a challenge for any director.

True, Aamir Khan looks very much the rakish dude in Rang De Basanti. Neither does the consistently good actor let down his director. Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra must have heaved a sigh of relief while watching the rushes. It doesn’t make Mehra’s job easier though, considering he is out to peddle pop patriotism as a genre.

From the rabid (Ma Tujhe Salaam) to the succinct (Sarfarosh), you’ve been there, seen it all in recent times. Add to that fact that the genre itself has been largely out of favour with the desi box office of late. With Rs 35-odd crores at stake, it’s a tough deal for Mehra to say the least.

Where Mehra does triumph with Rang De… is in deftly getting his message across without overtly preaching. There’s no heavy ideological idiom here. The realisation of the love for one’s country that dawns on a lovable yet cynical young bunch who are out of college, yet are collegians at heart, is subtly done.

If that bit makes Rang De… special, there are a few other delights in store too. Mehra, who made his debut a few years back with the highly unusual but definitely flawed Aks, seems more sure about what he wants to say this time.

Without giving away the story, the fun 'n' frolic first half subtly metamorphoses into a provoking finale for the young protagonists, as one single incident changes their definitions of nation, duty and achievement in life.

Rang De… is also special because of its performances. Aamir rules — it’s his film all the way — but watch out for the prop cast, young and old.

There is not one weak characterisation or act here. And Rang De… is special because it marks AR Rehman’s return to form.

The songs, merged brilliantly into the screenplay, are a highlight. Who says Bollywood doesn’t need its naach-gaana?

So, is Rang De… a perfect feature? Not really. The build-up is just right, as is the juxtaposition of history with the changing GenNow mindset.

But Mehra’s handling of the climax leaves a lot to be desired.

Also, at just below a three-hour runtime, the film somewhat drags towards the end. Small loopholes those, if you are game to watch a film that’s hatke from the league and yet entertains.

- Vinayak Chakravarty, New Delhi