When Aamir Khan Told Rang De Basanti Director Film's Climax 'Didn't Make Sense To Him'

Aamir Khan’s 2006 blockbuster Rang De Basanti is one of Bollywood's most iconic films. It is directed by Rakesh Omprakash Mehra and features an ensemble cast including Kunal Kapoor, Sharman Joshi, Siddharth, Soha Ali Khan, R Madhavan, Waheeda Rehman and Alice Patten. The storyline follows a group of friends who find inspiration in India’s freedom struggle and decide to take a stand against corruption. The movie has yet again under focus as the lead actor of the film, Aamir, popularly known as Mr Perfectionist, recently revealed how he suggested a different ending for the movie.

When Aamir Khan changed blockbuster Rang De Basanti’s climax

In a recent interview with Cinemaanreal, Aamir Khan discussed the original script of Rang De Basanti, revealing that the characters were meant to kill the defence minister and attempt to flee, resulting in each one getting shot.

The Lagaan actor questioned the logic of their escape. He said in the interview, "Originally, what the climax was that we kill the defence minister and we try to escape from the city and each one of us gets shot at different places. So I asked Mehra, 'I love your script (but) the end doesn't make sense to me because why are they running? Do they feel they have done something wrong?' So he was like, 'Yeah, why are they running?'" Aamir recalled.

He believed this didn't fit with the film's themes, as the characters drew inspiration from Bhagat Singh, who stood firm for his cause. Instead, the PK actor suggested a different climax, where the group seized control of a TV studio to broadcast their message live to the public.

We fitted that climax: Aamir Khan on finalising a new climax

Aamir Khan further stated that director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra appreciated his suggestion and chose to include it in the movie. He stated, "I took that and told Mehra that I had this story and I will now not make it because the climax is gone... But he liked it and we fitted that climax scene into Rang De Basanti."

The film featured Aamir alongside Siddharth, R. Madhavan, Atul Kulkarni, Soha Ali Khan, Sharman Joshi, Kunal Kapoor, and Alice Patten. It depicted the journey of five young men who drew inspiration from India's historical freedom fighters. The film set box office records, earned the National Film Award for Best Popular Film, and received a nomination for a BAFTA award.