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Rangoon

Rangoon

Love. War. Deceit

2017170 minNot RatedMidcredits score: 41st percentile of all films
Director
Vishal Bhardwaj
Starring
Shahid Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut, Saif Ali Khan, Richard McCabe

Julia travels to the Indo-Burma border to perform for the troops during the World War II, on the insistence of Billimoria, her lover. She finds herself in love with Jemadar Malik, a soldier there.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Rangoon?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Rangoon to rent or buy on Apple TV, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Rangoon?

Rangoon earns 6 badges, led by Visual feast and Cult Classic.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Rangoon worth watching?

Rangoon's Midcredits score is the 41st percentile of all films, from 7.2K ratings across 4 sources. 45% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

41st percentile

Better received than 41% of films

57th percentile among Action41st percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)37th
Approval (how many liked it)45th

58 /100

37th percentile of all films

53rd percentile among Action38th percentile among 2010s

Rating distribution

Ratings scatter across the whole scale — one of the most divisive reactions in the catalog.

45% liked it

45th percentile of all films

60th percentile among Action44th percentile among 2010s
45% rated it 7–1055% rated it 1–6

Critics 55% · Audience 65%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 4 wins / 18 noms overall

69th percentile

7.2K ratings across platforms

55th percentile among Action72nd percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 8% in 30 days

Box office

Worldwide gross$104K

18th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Fans praised

  • Kangana Ranaut's powerful, charismatic performance as Julia
  • Ambitious blend of romance, war, and patriotism
  • Superb cinematography and lush period visuals

Detractors panned

  • Weak, messy script that fails to integrate war and love triangle
  • Overlong runtime with too many songs that bog down pacing
  • Disappointing, poorly executed climax

What stands out

Cinematography82

Lush, painterly visuals; beautiful period recreation

ActingDivisive78

Kangana Ranaut's vibrant performance frequently singled out; Shahid and Saif also praised but detractors find Kangana over-the-top

Atmosphere75

Immersive 1940s India setting; detailed period production design

Sound and musicDivisive70

Soulful score and lyrics by Bhardwaj-Gulzar; too many songs a common complaint

CharactersDivisive65

Julia is compelling lead; male characters seen as auxiliary or weakly written

PacingDivisive38

Second half drags; excessive songs disrupt momentum

Plot and storyDivisive35

Love triangle against WWII backdrop fails to cohere; messy and predictable

Ending28

Rushed, cartoonish finale undermines buildup; widely disappointing

Preferred by

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 10 points higher than US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 8 points apart

Watch experience

What is Rangoon like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

No single mood: browse every movie of this kindNo one kind of watch fits it, so it is described by how heavy it is.

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something dark.

It is intense, takes its time and leaves you bittersweet. Skip it when you want an easy night or you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings and patience.

What it feels like

Moods
TenseRomanticMelancholic
Heaviest: late
Register
Epic · 2% of films: Vast in scale: big landscapes, big stakes, a long span.Romantic · 8% of filmsAdventurous · 11% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its wartime romance and nationalist struggle with earnest emotion and grand scale.
The rideSustained war tension and romance build through the middle, with the heaviest emotional and violent climax in the final act.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically from 1943, following multiple threads that converge.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

BittersweetRousing · 10% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you with a blend of sorrow and pride: the lovers sacrifice for a cause that succeeds.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).QuestMission
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% (this title) · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Mission: Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).

10% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe story centers on delivering a hidden sword to fund the INA's fight, with a soldier and a film star escaping enemy territory.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfSacrificeMorality
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% (this title) · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5% (this title)
  • Morality 16% (this title): Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% (this title) · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Morality

Sacrifice · 4% of filmsFreedom · 5% of filmsRomantic love · 15% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on personal sacrifice for the cause of Indian independence, with characters giving up love, safety, and life itself.
StanceThe film celebrates sacrifice for freedom from colonial rule, framing personal loss as noble and patriotic.

The world

Mid 20th centuryRuralWildernessInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral classicalFolkForeground music · original score · Vishal Bhardwaj
SettingWorld War II era India and the Indo-Burma jungle border
MusicThe score blends Indian folk elements with orchestral war motifs, underlining romantic and patriotic scenes.

Content guide

Is Rangoon okay for kids?

Not Rated

Rangoon is not rated. As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (78/100), sexual content at mild (31/100), language at mild (22/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (56/100) and frightening material at moderate (56/100). Its violence, language, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Ratings in 2 other countries
  • Ireland12
  • IndiaUA
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Intense
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an unrated film
heavier than 40%
Profanity
Mild
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
too few votes to rank (3 votes)

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Too few votes to rank this title overall (26 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Rangoon have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Rangoon?

Cast

1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Shahid Kapoor
as Nawab Malik
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Kangana Ranaut
as Julia
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Saif Ali Khan
as Rusi Billimoria
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Richard McCabe
as Major General Harding
Alex Avery
as Major Williams
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Amruta Khanvilkar
as Rani
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Surendra Pal
as Raja
Gajraj Rao
as Ahuja
Lin Laishram
as Mema
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Manav Vij
as Bhyro Singh

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Rangoon?

Movies like Rangoon include Veer (2010), Pearl Harbor (2001) and Padmaavat (2018). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films set during World War II, and several are love-triangle stories.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

11 of these 12 share its world: war epic. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Rangoon?

813 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: war epic. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.