“From the makers of Dil Chahta Hai” – this bit was enough to draw me to a late 10:45 PM show on the first day of Rock On‘s release.
Coming out of the theatre at 1:30 AM, I thought it was worth it, though it wasn’t another Dil Chahta Hai.
But there are similarities – coming from a similar set of people and having a somewhat similar theme it is expected. But we could also hear someone snoring inside the hall.
Four friends making music with Magik (their band), get apart and come back together. To do what? Make music, of course (nothing very original about the story). Since I didn’t even watch Abhishek Kapoor’s first film as a director – Aryan – I can’t comment on how he bettered himself as a director, but a commendable effort nevertheless. But I couldn’t help but notice a lot of Farhan Akhtar influence in the direction.
The music by Shankar Ehsaan Loy is unconventional for Hindi films and so are the lyrics by Javed Akhtar.
At the end of the film they ask you not to download but purchase the audio CD. Until they lower their prices, I don’t see that happening much.
Farhan Akhtar is also a theek actor, but unless he is singing his voice isn’t appealing enough, but he did get the emotions right.
Arjun Rampal is brooding and looks dashing, but acting still a lot of scope for improvement. Apparantly Arjun learnt the guitar for the film, but that learning just doesn’t show or his character is as that of a genius who can make the guitar release effusive notes without moving the fingers much.
Luke Kenny also does a decent job and like models all VJs don’t make superb actors. But he looked and acted his role.
Purab Kohli is the fun-filled guy and acts that out with elan.
For Prachi Desai it was a nice transition from the small to the big screen. In the movie she’s cute.
The best performance in the film comes from Shahana Goswami who plays Arjun’s girlfriend and then wife. This girl’s good.
About Koel Purie, should I even say something?
One thing I liked about the movie was that even if you can’t relate to the music thing, you can relate to the emotions and angst on display. And nothing goes over the top, the drama is controlled.
There’s also Anu Malik as himself and you could hear loud laughter when the music director uttered the word “original”.
The film might not have its numerous moments as did Dil Chahta Hai, but then it isn’t Dil Chahta Hain. It’s darker and not necessarily about having a good time. It might not go on to be listed on online profiles of people as their favourite movie or break a few records but it reinforces our belief that Bollywood is also about good cinema and not only hit cinema.
Credits
Cast
Farhan Akhtar as Aditya Shroff
Prachi Desai as Sakshi (Aditya’s wife)
Arjun Rampal as Joe Mascarenhas
Purab Kolhi as KD aka Killer Drummer
Luke Kenny as Rob
Koel Purie as Devika (Sakshi’s friend)
Shahana Goswami as Debbie (Joe’s girlfriend turned wife)
Nicholette Bird as Tanya (Aditya’s ex-girlfriend)
Crew
Directed by: Abhishek Kapoor
Produced by: Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar
Music: Shankar Ehsaan Loy
Lyrics: Javed Akhtar
Screenplay : Abhishek Kapoor, Pubali Chaudhuri
Story: Abhishek Kapoor
Dialogues: Farhan Akhtar
Editor: Deepa Bhatia
Chereography: Remo
Trailer:
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You don’t think it is a tad bit unfair to compare two pieces of art, or form of expression? I know it is done rampantly for movies but c’mmon Rock on should be allowed an identity of it’s own.At the end of it, I am guessing you actually enjoyed it. 🙂
<>det-res<>: When the similarities are so evident it’s hard to stay away.Yes, I enjoyed it.