Rock On...go watch it!

Rock On is definitely worth a watch. The message of the film is about following your dreams (just the sort of stuff I like writing about, plead guilty as charged). It traces the life of a promising college band that breaks up just before it hits the big league and then reunites many years later for one final jig.

Like all Farhan Akthar movies, this one too is executed flawlessly. Good production values, well etched characters, inspired casting, tight story telling, and top that all with a subject that everyone who’s ever been in college can connect with, what more do you need! A special note on the casting, every band member fits the bill very well. Agreed, it’s a bit difficult imagining Farhan and gang looking like college kids, but still they enact their parts remarkably well. Purab is my favourite as Killer Drama, the mad drummer. Farhan fits in effortlessly as the obnoxiously driven and gifted Aditya Shroff, the lead vocalist of the band. Luke Kenny as Rob, the likeable and trusty keyboard player, is a treat. Arjun Rampal as the lead guitarist looks too grown up in the college scenes, plus his acting is a bit stiff and wooden as always. But he more than redeems himself in the movie's final act, a 20 min stage performance by the now reunited and matured band members where our man with his towering frame, flowing mane, handlebar moustache and eternal cool transforms into a lead guitarist straight out of the rock n roll bands of the 70s - it's as if he was born to play the role.

The revelation of the movie is one Mr. Farhan Akthar. The guy directs, produces and now acts and sings as well…man….he defines coolness. Besides all that he’s got one of the leanest, meanest frames in Bollywood. This guy is unbelievable. The rest of the cast act just as well and deserve applause for their performances.

Finally, what makes Rock On tick is its music. Shankar Mahadevan and Co. have done a superb job of composing a rock track tailored to Farhan’s vocal range. With Farhan singing, the concert scenes become so much more believable. Music is the central vehicle of the movie and it does its job well. My favorite song of the pack is Sinbad the Sailor. The lyrics go….

http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=W9GSwW90OjM&watch_response

If all the convincing was not enough…one final reason to watch the movie…haven’t you ever slipped into day dreams about being a rock star? of crooning with the guitar in front of a frenzied crowd, waving and cheering for you?.…here’s a chance to do so for a full two and half hours in a wide screen theater with music blaring from dolby speakers….mass delirium rocks!