Film Review : Rock On

Fantastic, Amazing, Rocking – Superlatives that have already been used for Rock On! For a change, these superlatives seem to be well justified. 

Dil Chahta was coming of an age movie for Bollywood. Farhan Akhtar is a part of another defining movie for Bollywood. Do not think of it as a Rock Music movie. Do not compare it with Hollywood movies of same genre. We have a long way to go there. However, we should appreciate that Bollywood is moving towards Hollywood….Manorama Six Feet Under, Taare Zameen Par….Rock On will be another milestone on that road. 

Rock On is a cool movie. The movie is very contemporary and urban. The brilliant script is given primary importance. The characters are well-defined. The casting is spot on. The look of the film is meticulously perfect. I liked the styling of Farhan Akhtar’s apartment. The music and lyrics of the movie touch you. 

Farhan Akhtar as Aditya Shroff, Arjun Rampal as Joe, Shahana Goswami as Debbie leave strong impact on you. All the other important actors including Prachi Desai, Purab Kohli, Luke Kenny have done credible job. 

The characters display an high level of maturity. There is no melodrama between Aditya and Saakshi, when she discovers his past relationship. Deby’s practical reasoning and advice to Joe are part of real life. Aditya and Joe have their unparalleled talent, but their egos have destroyed lives of one and all. Yet, when they meet again, there is no acrimony. The movie’s victory is in its small moments. Farhan does not react to Deby’s accusations. The Irani cafe owner does not recognize Luke Kenny. Farhan’s indiffrerence to Joe’s song. KD’s singing act at the party.

Of course, the movie could have been better. There are small loop-holes. The break-up of Aditya and his girl-friend was abrupt. The 10-year chasm between all melts within a few moments. Character of KD & Rob could have been given more meat. However, I would not mind these. It is better than ‘Leave-your-brains-at-home’ movies. 

Life is not black and white. There are shades of grey. There are no perfect answers. Questions will remain. Like did Aditya’s ego lead him into grey area? Or Joe’s insecurities got to him?

All the songs are amazing. They have a high level of energy. The Tum Toh Ho is a wonderful ballad. Socha Hai, Rock On will make your heart sing. Phir Dekhiye has inspiring lyrics and Pichle Saat Din is a catchy song. A good music album as well. 

The movie’s real hero is Abhishek Kapoor. The integrity of the film maker is genuine. His passion and his special treatment to the movie touches you as well. 

Farhan Akhtar also deserves credit for giving Abhishek full liberty and freedom. It would have been difficult for him to give control to someone else. Especially, when he is an successful and accomplished director. Farhan also has done full justice as  a producer and displayed his new talent as singer. 

Rock On Movie is a metaphor for life. It is not about music. It is about friends. It is about following your dreams. Rock On is one of those movies that have their heart in the right place. 

Highly Recommended!