Movie Review: Rock On
Film Critic: Goher Iqbal Punn

Producers: Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani
Director: Abhishek Kapoor
Cast: Farhan Akhtar, Arjuan Rampal, Purab Kohli, Luke Kenny, Shahana Goswami and Prachi Desai
Music: Shankar Ehsan Loy

Farhan Akhter and Ritesh Sidhwani’s much-talked about ‘Rock On’ is finally out to rock the audiences. Directed by Abhishek Kapoor, the film is a musical saga. The movie stars Farhan Akhter, Arjun Rampal, Purab Kohli, Luke Kenny, Shahana Goswami and Prachi Desai in the lead. Farhan Akhter is making his debut as a singer and actor with this flick. Since the outset, this enterprise has been well in news due to its subject and Farhan Akhtar’s singing and acting debut.

‘Rock On’ talks about four main characters – Aditya Shroff (Farhan Akhtar), Joe Mascarenhas (Arjun Rampal), KD (Purab Kohli) and Rob Nancy (Luke Kenny). Shahana Goswami plays Arjun’s wife whereas Prachi Desai (the famous TV actress) enacts Farhan’s better half.

Although the characters are different from one another but one thing is common amongst them and that is the passion for music that brings them together to form one of the country’s most successful bands.

The film does not just pour light on the issue of music rather it also talks about relationships. The director has captured each and everything very sensitively and remarkably on the screen. ‘Rock On’ is the story of a musical journey of four friends – the talented musicians who come together to form their rock band, ‘Magik’. All the band members from Rob (Luke Kenny), Aditya (Farhan Akhtar), KD (Purab Kohli) to Joe (Arjun Rampal) are much fervent to get a big break that will change their lives for good.

Coming from a privileged family, Aditya Shroff is forced to choose between his dreams and comfort. He struggles to follow his dreams and amidst all, he bumps into Joe, KD and Rob. All three have their own distinctive talents – Joe is a guy of few words who lets his guitar talk, KD is a super drummer and Rob is a problem solver of the band. But there emerge some ego clashes, which take the band to the saddening end.

A decade goes by, destiny steps in bringing them back together. And here the gorgeous Prachi Desai comes in. She does her part to get the foursome together. Initially they hesitate but then move on to churn out the tunes. The climax depicts the rock concert where the band delivers the enthralling performance.

Farhan Akhtar performs brilliantly as an actor but as a singer, he still needs to grip over the art. But one thing is certain that you cannot ignore his singing style. He has potential as a vocalist. Arjuan Rampal plays superb. Purab Kohli excels. Luke Kenny is great to watch. Prachi Desai impresses with her debut vehicle. Shahana justifies the role. The rest of the cast attracts also.

Abhishek Kapoor directs with aplomb. Cinematography is eye-pleasing. Shankar Ehsan Loy’s music is good to hear. Screenplay has been penned with intelligence.

On the whole, with a good subject and excellent performances by the cast and rocking tunes, ‘Rock On’ will display its values at the box office.

Rating: 3/5

- The reviewer is a popular Bollywood and Indian TV Analyst and laced with a good rapport with the Hindi film industry and the TV fraternity. He is also swathed with the celebs of these abodes. You may write to him at the e-mails: goheriqbal@yahoo.co.uk, bollywood.tv.analyst@gamil.com and goher.punn@yahoo.com

Courtesy: Radio Sargam
www.radiosargam.com