Abhishek Kapoor’s directorial debut, Aryan, was a half-baked portrayal of the dreams of an aspiring boxer but Rock On!! tackles a similar theme, with the story centred on members of a rock band, in a superb way.
Kapoor does a great job, handling the subject with maturity and elegance.
It’s heart-warming to watch this poignant tale of friendship and marital relationships, set against a background of rock music.
Winning streak
In a to-and-fro flashback mode, we are told that Aditya (Farhan Akhtar), Joe (Arjun Rampal), Kedar aka K.D. (Purab Kohli) and Rob (Luke Kenny) are close friends and members of a rock band named Magik.
They win a rock competition but their dreams of cutting an album are shattered due to ego problems between Aditya and Joe.
The present situation — Aditya is a successful investment banker married to Sakshi (Prachi Desai); Joe leads a failed guitarist’s life, with a nagging wife, Debbie (Shahana Goswami); K.D. joins his family jewellery business; and Rob ends up doing music sessions for music directors.
They realise the only way they can find meaning in their lives is to regroup and fulfil their dream.
Dil Chahta Hai moments
The film has moments which are uncannily similar to some in Farhan Akhtar’s debut directorial venture Dil Chahta Hai, making it all the more probable that Farhan must have given his share of inputs in making the movie.
But what makes this film stand out is its unblemished screenplay, which brings with it a refreshing change.
Though the film is about rock music, you don’t need to be a fan to identify with some of the well-penned emotional moments.
The film could have done with some more light moments, especially when the pace slows a bit after the interval.
Farhan makes an impressive debut as an actor and a singer and brings a lot of maturity to the character he plays in the film.
Rampal rocks with his career-best performance and his silence in the film speaks a thousand words. Kohli is the much-needed bright spark in the film — he is bound to win new fans with his endearing performance.
Kenny is superb in an understated role. Desai is elegant and has done a commendable job in her big-screen debut. Goswami gives an electrifying performance too.
Watch out for her brilliant performance opposite Farhan in the pre-climax sequence. Koel Puri pitches in a decent supporting act.
Soul in music
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy’s music is the soul of the film and blends well with the narrative flow. Javed Akhtar’s apt lyrics add to the magic of the songs you watch on the screen.
Jason West’s cinematography is awesome and Remo’s choreography complements the film’s mood. Deepa Bhatia’s editing is first-rate.
The film comes as a ray of hope to those who have abandoned their dreams.
The film will go a long way in making them realise it’s never too late to pursue the goals they’ve always wanted.
Walking out of the cinema in Sharjah, with both young and old discussing the film’s theme, you get the feeling that, very soon, there may be a musical group in the UAE, inspired by the spirit of Rock On!!
— Abdulla Mahmood is a UAE-based freelance writer
