Rock On

A.V: ****

E.V: ****

 

At the beginning of this movie, Purab’s character reminiscences that “At the age of 20, all of us think the world is going to dance to our tunes”. Something similar to Aamir Khan’s ‘DJ’ in Rang De Basanti. There is something about growing up; it is a sobering process and a reality check. On ourselves and the world around us. With additional responsibilities, come the compromises. The dreams and passions of youth fade away into oblivion, and so do the relationships. Unless you are Joe Mascerenhas, the lead guitarist in this film, who never stopped believing in his passion, while he watched the world speed by in front of his eyes.

 

Unlike what the promos and theme might suggest, Rock On is actually mature cinema. The prime hazard in making such a movie in Hindi cinema is that it eventually ends up being a wannabe. A case in point is the last film on rock, (Zindagi Rocks), where the lead protagonist did not even know how to hold the instrument properly. That’s where this film truly Rocks! Where the music is a way of life for the players, rather than an embellishment.

 

So we have a talented bunch of friends, Adi (Farhan), Joe (Arjun Rampal), Rob (Luke Kenny) and KD (Purab Kohli), who have a rock band called Magik. This foursome complements each other perfectly, and set the stage on fire in all their local performances. Obviously, they want the big break and therefore enter a competition where the winners get to cut a private album with a music video. Though they win this competition, the guys realize that all is not as rosy as it seems. The compromises start and the relationships go sour. 10 years later, each is carrying on with their own lives until Adi’s wife, Sakshi (Prachi) chances upon some old pictures of the group. Feeling that it might refresh his morose existence, she seeks to reunite the group. After a lot of hiccups, the band gets together to rekindle an old friendship with the same ‘Magik’.

 

This is Abhishek ‘Gattu’ Kapoor’s second round after the abysmal ‘Aryan’. I would not even go into a comparison between the two, as I am not sure how many saw his first movie, but his name would be heard a lot in times to come. The narrative is similar to DCH, involving plenty of flashbacks and fast forwards. The music had to be special for such a theme, and sure enough the songs lend lot of dimension to the screenplay. Teemed with the easygoing lyrics and Farhan’s coarse voice, it sounds like a typical college rock band. Farhan himself, gives a convincing performance, and looks the part as well. Purab and Luke lend plenty of support with heartwarming lines, as do the ladies who play a perfect foil to their husbands. But it is Arjun Rampal (yes, you read it correct!) in an understated but strong portrayal of the guitarist, who leaves behind an impression even after the movie.

 

‘Live your dream’ is what the tagline says. Many people do not have the courage, luck or drive to do that. Yet somewhere deep down, most of us are like Joe, wanting that chance to prove what we can really be…

 

 

- Suprateek Sinha