Colours of Passion (Movie)

Title — Colours of Passion
Available on — Zee5
Production Country — India
Release Date — 2008
Seeking inspiration, a young 19th-century painter finds a woman who is his love, his muse and his willing subject, but his work becomes controversial.

🪶 Story & Synopsis

Set in the late 1800s, “Colours of Passion” (Rang Rasiya) is a mesmerizing cinematic adaptation of the novel “Raja Ravi Varma” by Ranjit Desai. Directed by Ketan Mehta, the film delves into the life of the legendary Indian artist Raja Ravi Varma, portrayed by the talented Randeep Hooda, and his journey from the patronage of a King in Kerala to his rise to fame in British-era Bombay.

The story unfolds as a young and gifted Raja Ravi Varma hones his skills under the guidance of a Kerala King before venturing to Bombay. In the bustling city, he encounters Sugandha, played by Nandana Sen, who initially dismisses his art but eventually becomes his muse, igniting a passionate and tumultuous relationship that transcends the canvas.

As Varma navigates the challenges of the art world and societal norms of the time, his bond with Sugandha deepens, leading to a tempestuous love affair that fuels his creativity and drives him to create some of his most iconic works, capturing the essence of Indian beauty and mythology.

Through exquisite visuals and powerful performances, “Colours of Passion” immerses viewers in the vibrant palette of Raja Ravi Varma’s life, showcasing his artistic genius, personal struggles, and enduring legacy that revolutionized Indian art. The film beautifully captures the essence of Varma’s artistic vision and the profound impact of his revolutionary approach to portraying Indian culture and beauty.

With a stellar cast including Randeep Hooda, Nandana Sen, and Jim Boeven, “Colours of Passion” is a poignant and visually stunning portrayal of one of India’s most celebrated artists, offering a glimpse into the passion, turmoil, and brilliance that defined Raja Ravi Varma’s extraordinary life and artistic legacy.

🧑 Cast & Crew

Randeep Hooda, Nandana Sen, Jim Boeven, Paresh Rawal, Tom Alter, Vikram Gokhale, Vipin Sharma, Gaurav Dwivedi

Movie Casting:

Actor Role
Nandana Sen Sugandha
Jim Boeven Fritz Schleizer
Randeep Hooda Raja Ravi Verma
Paresh Rawal Govardhandas
Rachna Shah Kamini
Tom Alter Aashish Vidyarthi

💬 Reviews and feedback

Picture this: a canvas filled with vibrant hues that tell the tale of passion, art, and the essence of life itself. Welcome to the world of Colours of Passion, a cinematic masterpiece that delves into the life of the renowned 19th-century Indian painter, Raja Ravi Varma.

As you immerse yourself in this artistic journey crafted by Ketan Mehta, you’ll find yourself captivated by the mesmerizing portrayal of Ravi Varma’s life on screen. The film not only showcases his artistic brilliance but also delves deep into the complexities of his personal life, creating a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences.

The narrative unfolds like brushstrokes on a canvas, each scene painting a vivid picture of Ravi Varma’s quest for artistic perfection and his unyielding dedication to his craft. Through his paintings, he explores themes of art, goodness, and divinity, weaving a narrative that transcends time and space.

  • Acting and Characters:

Randeep Hooda delivers a stellar performance in portraying the enigmatic Raja Ravi Varma. His portrayal brings depth and authenticity to the character, capturing both the artist’s creative genius and his struggles with personal demons. Nandana Sen shines as Suganda, infusing her character with grace and charm that mesmerizes both Ravi Varma and the audience.

  • Direction:

Ketan Mehta’s direction is nothing short of brilliant. He skillfully navigates through Ravi Varma’s tumultuous life, seamlessly blending moments of triumph with scenes of heart-wrenching turmoil. Mehta’s visual storytelling prowess elevates the film to a whole new level, immersing viewers in the world of art and passion.

  • Cinematography:

The cinematography in Colours of Passion is breathtakingly beautiful. Each frame is meticulously composed, capturing the essence of Ravi Varma’s artistry in every shot. The play of light and shadow creates a visual symphony that mirrors the emotional depth of the characters and their journey.

  • Production Design:

The production design transports viewers back to 19th-century India with stunning authenticity. From elaborate sets to intricate costumes, every detail is meticulously crafted to recreate the ambiance of Ravi Varma’s era. The attention to historical accuracy adds another layer of richness to the storytelling.

  • Score:

The musical score in Colours of Passion serves as an emotional anchor throughout the film. It complements the narrative beautifully, enhancing pivotal moments with its evocative melodies. The soundtrack resonates with themes of love, loss, and artistic inspiration, drawing audiences deeper into Ravi Varma’s world.

  • Pace and Editing:

The pacing in Colours of Passion strikes a perfect balance between introspective moments and gripping drama. The editing seamlessly weaves together various timelines in Ravi Varma’s life, creating a cohesive narrative that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.

Binge-watching Tip: Dive into some research about Raja Ravi Varma before watching the movie to appreciate his legacy even more!

In conclusion, Colours Of Passion serves as a poignant tribute to one of India’s greatest artists, capturing both his artistic brilliance and personal struggles with sensitivity and depth.
Rating: 9/10

Pros Cons
Based on a true story Choppy narrative
Decent portrayal of the painter’s life Lacks a broad dramatic arc
Good performances by the cast Unsympathetic portrayal of the lead character
Beautiful cinematography Jumps in time and geography affecting the narrative
Captivating storyline Lead lady character used for her body

Feedback

  • Rang Rasiya (2008) - IMDb

    6.2Aarakshan6.4B.A. Pass7.8Laal Rang7.5Parched7.3Sarbjit6.9Fashion

    Did you know

    • TriviaRang Rasiya was made in 2008, and even premiered at Cannes Festival, however was not released in India, because of certain nude scenes. The film was finally given a theatrical release after six years in 2014.

    Featured reviewRecommended for those who have a love for seeing quality Movies

  • Rang Rasiya | Full Movie | Randeep Hooda, Nandana Sen, Paresh Rawal

  • Rang Rasiya - Wikipedia

    Rang Rasiya, titledin English, is a 2014 Indian drama film written and directed by Ketan Mehta, based on the life of the 19th century Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma. It was released bilingually in Hindi as

    Colours of Passion

    Rang Rasiyaand in English asColours of Passion. The film was a cinematic adaptation of the novelRaja Ravi Varmaby Ranjit Desai. It stars Randeep Hooda as Raja Ravi Varma and Nandana Sen as his love interest.

  • Colors of Passion (2008) - Turner Classic Movies

    Colors of PassionBrief Synopsis

    Centers on the life of 19th century Indian painter Raja Ravi Verma.

    Cast & Crew

    Read More

    Ketan Mehta

    Director

    Randeep HoodaNandana SenParesh RawalDeepti NavalJim BoevenFilm Details

    Also Known AsColours of Passion, Rang Rasia, Rang Rasiya, Rang RasiyaaGenreAdaptationBiographyDramaForeignHistoricalPeriodRelease Date2008Production CompanyMaya Movies Pvt, Ltd.

    Technical Specs

    Duration2h 10m

    Synopsis

    Centers on the life of 19th century Indian painter Raja Ravi Verma.

    DirectorKetan Mehta

    Director

  • Colours of Passion - Where to Watch and Stream - TV Guide

    The life of one of India’s most acclaimed artists inspired this period drama from writer and director Ketan Mehta. In the late 19th Century, Raja Ravi Varma (Randeep Hooda) is a famous but controversial painter who is celebrated by critics for his warm, earthy realism and condemned by Hindu clerics for his nude studies and portraits of deities personified as beautiful women. Varma’s favorite model and greatest source of inspiration is Sugandha (Nandana Sen), a beautiful woman who gives him love and support, and his celebration of her beauty has helped to make his work popular with the masses, who eagerly buy reproductions of his works. But Varma’s popularity has not earned him any favor with authorities, who have declared some of his nudes obscene, or the religious figures who consider his canvases blasphemous; a framing story set in the 21st Century finds his work still generating strong opinions in the present day. Adapted from a book by Ranjit Desai, Rang Rasiya (aka Colours of Passion) also stars Paresh Rawal, Rachna hah and Jim Boeven.

⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)

In the movie “Colours of Passion,” the plot revolves around two women working in a multinational corporation. Christine, portrayed as a cold and ruthless business executive, enjoys manipulating and betraying people. Isabelle, her young and ambitious administrative assistant, faces professional and personal humiliations at Christine’s hands. The storyline takes a turn when Isabelle’s boyfriend, Philippe, is cheating on Christine with Isabelle.

As the narrative unfolds, Christine discovers irregularities in Philippe’s business accounts and instead of reporting him, she uses this information to her advantage. After enduring numerous threats and humiliations from Christine, Isabelle reaches a breaking point and stages a break-in at Christine’s home, ultimately murdering her by stabbing her to death. Isabelle then intentionally gets herself arrested, appearing to have a nervous breakdown.

Imprisoned, Isabelle sets out on a mission to prove her innocence in a murder she actually committed. However, the task proves challenging due to the history between her and Christine, as well as the circumstantial evidence Isabelle herself planted. The movie delves into the complexities of power dynamics, manipulation, betrayal, and the quest for redemption amidst a web of deceit and crime.

Brian De Palma’s direction in “Colours of Passion” intricately weaves together elements of voyeurism, media manipulation, compelling female characters, and unexpected narrative twists. The film mesmerizes the audience with its visual style and keeps them engrossed in the evolving story, showcasing De Palma’s prowess as a master filmmaker.

The ending of “Colours of Passion” leaves viewers with a revelation that unravels the truth behind the characters’ motivations and actions. It showcases the depth of the characters’ relationships and the consequences of their choices, leading to a conclusion that resonates with the themes of love, betrayal, and redemption explored throughout the film.

👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating

TV-14

Age Rating:

The movie “Colours of Passion” is rated A, which means it is suitable for adults and adolescents.

Parental Guide:

Parents should be aware that “Colours of Passion” contains the following content:

  • Sex: The movie includes scenes depicting romantic relationships, intimacy, and nudity.
  • Violence: There are portrayals of violence, though not overly graphic, including confrontations and conflicts.
  • Profanity: Some strong language and profanity may be heard throughout the movie.
  • Substance Abuse: There may be depictions of alcohol consumption.

Given the themes and content of the movie, it is recommended for mature audiences who can understand and appreciate the artistic and historical context of the film.

📺 Streaming and where to watch

streaming service extra information
Zee5 Currently you are able to watch “Colours of Passion” streaming on Zee5.

❝ Quotes and Cult

  • Blue flower, red thorns. Blue flower, red thorns. Man, this would be so much easier if I wasn't color-blind.
    Eddie Murphy - Donkey
  • Your favorite color is green.
    Peeta Mellark
  • So it's not gonna be easy. It's gonna be really hard. We're gonna have to work at this every day, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, you and me, every day.
    Colours of Passion (2008) by Ketan Mehta

🤖Colours of Passion Reddit Talks

The Use of Color in Cinematography

In cinematography, color plays a crucial role in storytelling and character development. While certain colors are traditionally associated with specific emotions, filmmakers can subvert these expectations to create powerful effects.

For example, “Blue is the Warmest Color” uses blue to convey warmth and passion, rather than the typical red. This unconventional use of color enhances the film’s emotional impact.

A guide showing which colors to use for which emotion in film:

  • Red: passion, anger, danger
  • Blue: calmness, sadness, coldness
  • Green: nature, growth, envy
  • Yellow: happiness, optimism, cowardice
  • Purple: royalty, luxury, mystery

Colors of Love

In the film “Colors of Love,” a property developer’s plan to transform a historic hotel into a luxury resort faces opposition from the townspeople.

The film explores the tension between progress and preservation, as well as the emotional impact of color on our perceptions and experiences.

Craving Color in Cinema

Many viewers have expressed a desire for more vibrant and colorful films, expressing dissatisfaction with the prevalence of desaturated and bleak visuals in recent cinema.

They argue that color can enhance the emotional impact of films and create more visually stimulating experiences.

Movies With Cool Colour Theory

For those interested in films that showcase effective use of color theory, several recommendations have been made:

  • Empire of Passion (1978)
  • The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
  • Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
  • Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
  • The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)

These films demonstrate how color can be used to create distinct moods, atmospheres, and emotional responses.

Use of Colors in the Movie: Specifically Purple/Yellow

In the film, the use of purple and yellow is particularly noteworthy. Purple, often associated with royalty and luxury, is used to represent the hotel’s opulent past. Yellow, on the other hand, represents the vibrant and hopeful future that the developer envisions.

The interplay of these colors highlights the film’s central conflict between tradition and modernization.

Top discussions

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the movie Colours of Passion about?

The movie Colours of Passion, also known as Rang Rasiya, is a 2014 Indian drama film written and directed by Ketan Mehta. It is based on the life of the 19th-century Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma. The film explores the artist’s journey as he justifies art, goodness, and god through his paintings, revolving around his muse and inspiration.

Which movie is based on the life of Raja Ravi Varma?

The movie Rang Rasiya, titled Colours of Passion in English, is based on the life of the 19th-century Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma. Directed by Ketan Mehta, the movie delves into the artistic journey of Raja Ravi Varma and his significant contributions to Indian art.

Who are the main characters in the movie Colours of Passion?

The main characters in Colours of Passion include Raja Ravi Varma, the celebrated Indian artist, played by Randeep Hooda; Sugandha, his muse and inspiration, portrayed by Nandana Sen; and Govardhandas, depicted by Paresh Rawal.

What is the storyline of Colours of Passion?

Colours of Passion follows the story of Raja Ravi Varma, who trains under the king of Kerala before moving to British-era Bombay. There, he meets Sugandha, who initially dismisses his artworks but later becomes his muse, leading to a transformative artistic journey for Varma.

Is Colours of Passion a biographical film?

Yes, Colours of Passion is a biographical drama film based on the life of the renowned 19th-century Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma. The movie provides insights into Varma’s artistic pursuits, his relationships, and the societal influences that shaped his paintings.

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