Rock On rocks!

Who hasn’t had a tiff with a friend? It’s time you called that friend, kissed and patched up. What’s important is that after the patch-up you actually connect the same way you did ages ago. Rock On makes you feel that warmth. The film is contemporary yet is full of style. After all it boasts of the guy who remade the stylish Don!

Farhan Akhtar is a star by all means, and there’s no debating that. Am surprised how he wasn’t discovered for so long though. He is great performer with stunning looks – lean, curly-hairdo, a scar or two on the face and gruffly voice. He makes you be with him all the time he’s on screen.

I have already raved enough about his singing talent in the music review, so I will let that be for now and get on with the film. Rock On is one of those films that you know is a hit right after watching the first few minutes. The story is simple, predictable. Four college friends have a band called ‘Magik’ and want to make it big in the music industry. But their hopes are shattered when there’s a fight in the band and also when they move on to pursue pseudo-careers and family responsibilities. The story is complete when the friends forgive and forget; and after ten long years reunite Magik.

The sepia-style flashbacks of the four friends; their lovely carefree life; college performances; girlfriends; band’s rehearsals; rock concerts and competitions; dreams of making it big, etc forces you to travel to your own campus phase. I have always believed that Hindi rock songs - especially contemporary rock – have the present-day feel ‘coz of the sadak-chaap lyrics. And that’s what Javed Akhtar has made sure here. The world is raving about the music so all I would do is to reiterate the last line of the film (that also appears on the screen) – ‘Don’t download the music, buy the CD.’ Rob (Luke Kenny) on the keyboard, KD (Purab Kohli) as the drummer and Debbie (Shahana Goswami) as a bitter woman were a revelation as actors. Their characters were clear and the three played their roles beautifully.

Rock On, unfortunately, towards the end becomes a bit filmi if you know what I mean! Joe’s (Arjun Rampal) entry into the final concert when the band is already performing on stage and Aditya’s (Farhan Akhtar) ex-girlfriend being married to his college-day rival were situations I felt were unnecessary. Sakshi (Prachi Desai) not knowing anything about her husband Aditya’s college life and the existence of Magik is bit too hard to believe. I mean what kind of a wife would be so ignorant? The movie could have been wrapped up within an hour and a half, but the director chose to drag on till another hour. I shall still appreciate Abhishek Kapoor (the director) as his debut, Aryan, was a disaster. He’s sure come a long way and the proof of this is Rock On.

Rock On is rocking and paisa vasool. It also teaches the Chopras and Johars of the industry that a good film need not have ingredients like exotic locales, done-to-death emotions, six-packs, item songs and cleavages. Great performances; a simple story coupled with good music can also be a treat to the viewers.

Favourite Scenes –

1. When Magik, in order to earn some small bucks to be able to perform at Channel V Launch pad, play at a local dandiya raas. Hilarious!
2. The band’s rehearsal at the old, dilapidated place after the reunion. That’s where Aditya and Joe patch up.
3. The song Sindbad the sailor – final scene – beautiful concert.
4. When Sakshi’s friend advices Aditya and makes him realize his mistake.


Rating - 3/5