Rang De (transl. Colour it) is a 2021 Indian Telugu-language romantic comedy film written and directed by Venky Atluri. Produced by Suryadevara Naga Vamsi's Sithara Entertainments, the film stars Nithiin and Keerthy Suresh. The film's music is composed by Devi Sri Prasad while cinematography and editing are performed by P. C. Sreeram and Naveen Nooli respectively. The film was theatrically released on 26 March 2021 and the film received positive reviews from critics but it was commercial failure at box office citing COVID-19 Pandemic.[4] The film's title is based on a song from Nithin's A Aa (2016).

Rang De
Theatrical release poster
Directed byVenky Atluri
Written byVenky Atluri
P. Sathish Chandra
Produced bySuryadevara Naga Vamsi
Starring
CinematographyP. C. Sreeram
Edited byNaveen Nooli
Music byDevi Sri Prasad
Production
company
Release date
  • 26 March 2021 (2021-03-26)[1]
Running time
130 minutes[2]
CountryIndia
LanguageTelugu
Budget30 crore[3]
Box officeest. ₹28.8 crore[4]

Plot

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Arjun is a young man who enjoys attention from his parents and everyone in the neighbourhood. As the colony he lives doesn't have kids of his age, he wishes to have a girlfriend, where Anupama's "Anu" family moves in. Arjun's family members grow fond of Anu, which sows the seed of jealousy in Arjun. With time, It develops into hatred, but Anu has developed feelings for Arjun. Arjun is poor in academics and is always compared to Anu who is a bright student, which irritates him.

To escape the torture, Arjun plans to relocate to Dubai, where his sister lives, on the pretext of doing MBA. With the help of his friend's connection, who owns a consultancy, Arjun secures an excellent score in GMAT through cheating. His father throws a party and Arjun is delighted and also relieved about moving away from Anu. Arjun is informed that his application is on waitlist because he has 1 mark less than other two applicants of the top University he applied to, which only has 2 vacant seats.

Just as he agrees to change his University preference, it is revealed that one of the two better scored students is Anu, which frustrates Arjun. He leaks Anu's abroad study plans to her mother, who doesn't want her to study further but instead tries to convince her to get married. With Anu's strong reaction, it turns into a big fight and eventually leads to Anu agreeing to marriage with a broken heart. On the day of Anu's marriage, she kisses Arjun publicly in front of all the invitees. Being helpless, Arjun marries Anu due to family pressure.

On their first night, Anu reveals that she overheard a discussion between Arjun and his friends and got to know about Arjun's ill doing that spoiled her study plans. Anu confesses that the marriage was a plan and Arjun has no other option now but to take her abroad with him to the university. He manages to trick the other applicant to withdraw from the top University. The married couple now move to Dubai. In Dubai, Arjun and Anu have a love-hate relationship. One day after coming back from a night party, a mild physical fight starts between two of them, and they eventually end up having sex.

Anu learns that she’s pregnant and tells Arjun but Arjun is not ready for it as he is not happy in the relationship and asks her to get an abortion. He alleges that Anu is purposefully turning his life into hell by trapping him in marriage and now parenthood. Angered with his allegations, Anu promises that she will divorce him once her studies complete and that she doesn't expect even his slightest involvement in the pregnancy. Sensing the problem between the couple, Arjun and Anu’s parents visit them and try to convince them into building the marriage.

Although unmoved by their advice, Anu and Arjun decide not to fight as long as their parents stay. Meanwhile, Arjun feels ecstatic when he feels the baby kick from the womb and gradually realises the love Anu has for him, and also develops feelings for Anu recollecting the best moments they had and how she kept up with his hatred so far. When he goes to her to express his love, he realises she already signed the divorce papers and was waiting for him. Arjun is shocked and apologizes and then tells her how much he loved her and the couple reunite, where they live happily after the birth of their daughter.

Cast

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Production

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Development

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In June 2019, sources claimed that Nithiin has been approached for a new project directed by Venky Atluri, who directed Tholi Prema and Mr. Majnu and Sithara Entertainments was reported to produce the film. Keerthy Suresh was approached to play a lead.[5] Sithara Entertainments confirmed the project officially on 24 June 2019, with Nithiin and Keerthy as the leading actors, and veteran cinematographer P. C. Sreeram confirmed his part in the project.[6][7] In August 2019, Devi Sri Prasad started working on the film's music.[8]

Filming

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The film was launched on 8 October 2019 (on the occasion of Dusshera),[9] at the office of Sithara Entertainments.[10] Although few of the portions were filmed in Hyderabad, the team took a break after Nithiin went to Italy for a song shoot for his another film Bheeshma.[11] A behind-the-scenes video was released in February 2020, by cinematographer P. C. Sreeram, with the shooting being held in Hyderabad.[12]

After the shooting of the film was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic in India in March 2020.[13] The shooting of the film resumed in September 2020 with the safety guidelines instructed by the government to control COVID-19 pandemic.[14][15] The post-lockdown schedule of the film was wrapped on 7 October 2020,[16] with the foreign schedule for song shoot was supposed to take place in Italy on 25 October.[17] In December 2020, the makers shot few portions at the Dubai Miracle Garden, which was completed within the first week.[18] With few patch work scenes, the team wrapped the shooting in mid-January 2021.[19]

In March 2021, Nithin in an interview said that Rang De would be his final film in the romance genre.[20]

Soundtrack

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Rang De
Soundtrack album by
Released19 March 2021
Recorded2019–2020
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length24:15
LanguageTelugu
LabelAditya Music
ProducerDevi Sri Prasad
Devi Sri Prasad chronology
Uppena
(2021)
Rang De
(2021)
Radhe
(2021)
External audio
  Licensed audio on YouTube
  Licensed audio on JioSaavn

The film's soundtrack is composed by Devi Sri Prasad, replacing Venky Atluri's usual composer S. Thaman, who worked with the director in Tholi Prema and Mr. Majnu. Rang De marked Prasad's first collaboration with Atluri, who started work on the film's music in August 2019.[21] The prelude of the first single "Emito Idhi" was released on 5 November 2020, and was scheduled to release on 7 November,[22] although it was eventually released on 12 November 2020, due to technical difficulties.[23] The second song "Bus Stande Bus Stande" was released on 27 February 2021.[24] Two other tracks were released as singles in March 2021.[25][26] The entire soundtrack album was unveiled on 19 March 2021.[27]

All lyrics are written by Sri Mani

Track listing
No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Rangule"Shweta Mohan4:17
2."Oorantha"Mangli4:18
3."Choosi Nerchukoku"David Simon3:11
4."Naa Kanulu Yepudu"Sid Sriram4:09
5."Bus Stande Bus Stande"Sagar3:38
6."Emito Idhi"Kapil Kapilan, Haripriya4:41
Total length:19:57

Release

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The teaser of the film which was released in July 2020, announced the schedule for release on 14 January 2021, coinciding with Sankranthi.[28] However, on 1 January 2021, the makers rescheduled the film's release to 26 March 2021.[1] The film was digitally released on 12 June 2021 on ZEE5. The film was also dubbed and released in Tamil as Mr. & Mrs. Arjun.[29]

Reception

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Rang de received generally positive reviews from critics with praise for performances of lead actors, their chemistry, cinematography, visuals and Devi Sri Prasad's music. Hemanth Kumar in his review for Firstpost rated the film 3/5 and wrote: "Rang De rests heavily on the onscreen chemistry between Keerthy Suresh and Nithiin, and the duo deliver impressive performances."[30] The Hindu critic Sangeetha Devi Dundoo described the film as a "coming-of-age story steeped in humour" and stated: "Keerthy Suresh is a treat to watch and Nithiin matches her at every step. Devi Sri Prasad’s music and the visual canvas, with cinematographer P C Sreeram being at the helm, also work hugely for the film.[31]

The Indian Express journalist Manoj Kumar R who rated the film 3 stars of 5 wrote: "Nithiin and Keerthy Suresh film feels like a comforting blanket in these unpredictable times. It provides much-needed warmth and allows you to delight in a sense of nostalgia."[32] A reviewer from Deccan Chronicle felt that the film had potential to be an entertainer but "lack of defining moments and weak writing are its undoing. The writing barely scratches the surface of the complexity of the situation — especially in the second half."[33]

Box office

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Rang De grossed 6.7 crore on its opening day in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.[3] The film grossed 19.6 crore worldwide in its first weekend.[34] By the end of its theatrical run, it grossed ₹28.8 crore and was not successful at the box office.[4]

References

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  1. ^ a b "'Rang De' on March 26: Nithiin and Keerthy Suresh starrer confirms its release date - Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 8 January 2021. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
  2. ^ "Rang De Review, Rating". Sakshi Post. 26 March 2021. Archived from the original on 26 March 2021. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
  3. ^ a b Prakash, Surya. "'రంగ్ దే' ఫస్ట్ డే కలెక్షన్స్ (ఏరియావైజ్)". Asianet News Network (in Telugu). Archived from the original on 27 March 2021. Retrieved 28 March 2021.
  4. ^ a b c "Nithiin's Rang De Movie Final Box Office Collection Report". The Hans India. 13 April 2021. Archived from the original on 13 December 2021. Retrieved 13 December 2021.
  5. ^ "Has this young actress been approached for Nithiin-Venky Atluri film? - Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 10 June 2019. Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  6. ^ "Nithiin's next with Venky Atluri titled as 'Rang De'; Keerthy Suresh confirmed as the leading lady - Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 29 March 2020. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
  7. ^ Nyayapati, Neeshita. "PC Sreeram about Venky Atluri, Nithiin and Keerthy Suresh's 'Rang De' - Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 20 August 2019. Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  8. ^ "Rang De: Devi Sri Prasad kick starts composing music for Venky Atluri's film - Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 18 September 2019. Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  9. ^ "Nithin-Keerthy Suresh's 'Rang De' to start rolling from Dasara eve". The News Minute. 6 October 2019. Archived from the original on 24 January 2024. Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  10. ^ Nyayapati, Neeshita. "Venky Atluri, Nithiin, Keerthy Suresh's 'Rang De' pooja done - Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 9 November 2019. Retrieved 3 June 2020.
  11. ^ "Nithiin and Rashmika Mandanna with the crew on sets of Bheeshma. See pics - Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 3 January 2020. Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  12. ^ "Cinematographer PC Sreeram shares a BTS video of Rang De - Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 24 January 2024. Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  13. ^ "Nithiin and Keerthy Suresh's Rang De shoot to resume soon - Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 3 January 2021. Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  14. ^ "Nithiin resumes shooting for Rang De with Covid-19 precautions - Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 28 April 2021. Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  15. ^ "Thrilled to be back on set with Nithiin, Keerthy Suresh again: Venky Atluri - Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 31 May 2021. Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  16. ^ "Nithiin and Keerthy Suresh wrap up post-lockdown schedule of Rang De - Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 23 January 2021. Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  17. ^ "Nithiin and Keerthy Suresh will head to Italy soon for the next schedule of Rang De - Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 7 December 2020. Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  18. ^ "Nithiin and Keerthy Suresh shoot at a flower garden in Dubai for Rang De - Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 9 January 2021. Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  19. ^ "Nithiin and Keerthy Suresh wrap up 'Rang De': Rom-com slated for a March 26 release - Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 25 February 2021. Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  20. ^ "Interview : Nithin – I am fed up of being called a lover boy". 123Telugu.com. 24 February 2021. Archived from the original on 25 February 2021. Retrieved 24 February 2021.
  21. ^ "Rang De: Devi Sri Prasad kick starts composing music for Venky Atluri's film - Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 18 September 2019. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
  22. ^ "Keerthy Suresh shares the prelude of the upcoming song Emito Idhi from Rang De; Take a look". PINKVILLA. 6 November 2020. Archived from the original on 4 March 2021. Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  23. ^ "'Emito Idhi' from Rang De: Nithiin and Keerthy Suresh shine in the romantic number - Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 11 January 2021. Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  24. ^ ""Bus Stande" from Rang De: Nithiin amuses with his post-marital struggles - Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 27 February 2021. Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  25. ^ "Mahesh Babu unveils 'Naa Kanulu Yepudu' from Rang De: Sid Sriram mesmerises - Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 13 April 2021. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  26. ^ "'Rangule' from 'Rang De': Keerthy Suresh looks mesmerising in the soothing melody - Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 24 March 2021. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  27. ^ Rang De - All Songs - Download or Listen Free - JioSaavn, 12 November 2020, archived from the original on 23 March 2021, retrieved 26 March 2021
  28. ^ "Team Rang De wishes Nithiin a happy married life with an adorable teaser - Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 26 July 2020. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
  29. ^ Mr.&Mrs.Arjun | Tomorrow, 2.30 PM | Promo | Zee Tamil, archived from the original on 19 September 2021, retrieved 19 September 2021
  30. ^ "Rang De movie review: Keerthy Suresh is a delight to watch in Venky Atluri's heartwarming tale of love and friendship". Firstpost. 27 March 2021. Archived from the original on 27 March 2021. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
  31. ^ Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi (26 March 2021). "'Rang De' movie review: An entertaining romantic comedy drama". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 27 March 2021. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
  32. ^ "Rang De review: Nithiin, Keerthy Suresh deliver a delightful romantic film". The Indian Express. 27 March 2021. Archived from the original on 26 March 2021. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
  33. ^ "Movie review: Rang De". Deccan Chronicle. 26 March 2021. Archived from the original on 26 March 2021. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
  34. ^ "Rang De 1st Weekend collections: 'రంగ్ దే' ఫస్ట్ వీకెండ్ కలెక్షన్స్.. ఈ జోరు సరిపోదు నితిన్." News18 Telugu (in Telugu). Retrieved 30 March 2021.
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