Red — the colour of blood, anger and passion — is striking beyond measure.
Whether the focus is romance or rage, red paints the screen with drama and intensity.
Sometimes to mirror the mind of a character, sometimes to add vigour into the mise-en-scene, few hues can claim to enhance a frame like deadly, dynamic red.
Bollywood’s obsession with all things lal — rang, roomal, gaal, gulaal, honth, dupatta, bangles and blood — acknowledges its supremacy wholeheartedly. You simply can’t miss its influence in the lavish trailer of Dharma Productions’ upcoming multistarrer, Kalank.
And of course, there’s more.
Sukanya Verma looks at some of the most memorable reds in Hindi movies.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s extravagant use of red — be it the climax of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas or Padmaavat — and his need to portray it as the embodiment of romance (Lal ishq, Mohe rang do laal) and shringar (Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Guzaarish) is a signature trait of his grandiose filmmaking.
