"There is nothing derogatory about the Indian Air Force in the film. It is a very good film and as far as we are concerned, it can be released. Now the ball is in the court of the censor board," Air Marshal P S Ahluwalia said, soon after a special screening for the defence ministry.
Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee, who censor board chief Sharmila Tagore said enjoyed watching the film, chose not to speak on the subject.
"It is a very good film. It is a great tribute to our heroes," Tagore said. Asked why the censor board referred it to the defence ministry, Tagore said: "I only wanted an expert opinion before clearing it."
Film producer Ronnie Screwala said, "Rang De Basanti is an inspirational film and sends a positive message to youngsters."
The film talks of five friends, one an IAF fighter pilot. He dies in a crash and his friends rally round the family to find the cause of the accident. In the process, they uncover similar accidents and a web of murky defence deals.