Rockstar, the movie: some thoughts.
I made sure that I watched the very first show of Rockstar in the city as I had intended to write a detailed note; however, didn’t find myself in the right state of mind as I was a bit overwhelmed emotionally. I kept thinking and let the feeling sink in. I have now managed to key in some of my thoughts for a few friends have already asked me whether I am going to write a review. So I thank them for encouraging me to get this underway.
More often than not, I wonder about the concept of soul mates; is there such a thing really? Can there be a romantic relationship that can be termed as a “true love”. What could be the symptoms of it and how would you know that someone is your soul mate or true love? Will you ever do? Will it be too late if you ever do or realize? Can the attraction and intensity of the connection be so compelling that you do not care for anything else? Apparently, a movie cannot give a definitive answer; however, Rockstar does try to explore that realm and dishes out a musical love story that leaves a lasting impression.
Another major angle is a musical star’s life that has been portrayed brilliantly and the movie scores a cent percent marks here. This is clearly Ranbir Kapoor’s best performance as an actor and he shows how much he has evolved as an actor in such a short span of time. It’s an epic and landmark effort glorifying and taking his family legacy to the next level with his hard work doing all the talking. There are many scenes in the movie that makes you simply admire the star in awe. This character has given Ranbir a lot of scope to show his versatility and he surely has embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly. And as Ranbir himself claims that he does not want to carry a chip on his shoulder and wants to make everyone proud through his industriousness; it is time for Mr. Rishi Kapoor to shower him with the praise he’s been patiently waiting for. With this he also claims his spot for the nominations in various awards ceremonies and I would not be surprised if he grabs most of them. Ranbir Kapoor has been pretty vocal about his little musical sense and was throughout aware of his limitations. Still, the life he has given to “Jordan” (Janardan Jhakar) as the Rockstar will certainly leave you in a heightened sense of respect and praise for him. He gives a new dimension to Mohit Chauhan’s voice and Mr. Rahman’s epic soundtrack.
Nargis Fakhri, making her debut, impresses us in her portrayal of a lively and yet very confused girl from Kashmir. She is a fresh, extremely beautiful, and promising face of Hindi Film Industry. What is most striking is the kind of chemistry they have been able to establish and put up on the platter. This is another area where it deserves full marks so Mr. Imtiaz Ali’s team deserves the credit for being able to search her for this role. They make sure that you are with them throughout the movie and do end up sharing a part of their feelings. You would want to see them together despite the circumstances depicting a different picture. Such was the passion and the soul-connection: almost to a miraculous extent of Heer (Nargis Fakhri) getting a new lease of life every time she saw Jordan even though she’s suffering from a serious illness. It seemed as if an un-known force brought them together every time they decided against it. It was so compelling a force which could have only culminated in the divine union of two souls. When you cross the threshold and come inside that energy field, perhaps the only option left is to submit.
However, they were living in a world which was not as easy going as they would have liked it be and hence, they had to go through the ebb and flow of worldly affairs. And as the aspiring Rockstar had earlier heard of the pain and sufferings of some of the predecessors; he himself had come to the receiving end now. In the director’s words he was like a “tired, ferocious bird, flapping its wings furiously over the massive waves at night, with nowhere to go”. It was now time for him to surrender and come home with awareness that the souls couldn’t be separated and music won’t die. The hunting falcon comes home to the sound of drums.
I think Mr. Imtiaz Ali has dared to be different in this ambitious project and has indeed achieved a great deal. It’s a great work, but could have been exceptional had some of the areas been handled more carefully. Film editing appears to be one of them. The climax becomes a bit too lengthy and you are still left asking for more. I personally was looking for a happier ending. In spite of all these, the director has been able to stay true to his vision which is commendable. It lacks conviction at times. I sincerely hope that the aspiring Rockstars don’t take “Chal Gandh Machate Hain” in its literal sense.
It makes you cry and makes you feel for the couple. It did leave me emotionally drenched. It also made me think of the tragedies many great Rockstars like Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain and some others had to undergo. Why does it have to be so tragic? Can’t a person be totally sane and yet be a Rockstar? A Rockstar in a true and grand sense who carves out a rightful path for others to follow, not being so troubled and addicted to things that claim their lives and cut their story short. Most importantly, is it so difficult to become one despite being soul-mates or true lovers (in more worldly sense)? Let’s ponder a bit over these things and work towards claiming what is ours. Let’s be good and be a ROCKSTAR!
And last but not the least; it’s a musical extravaganza with Mr. A. R. Rahman composing fabulous tunes with innovative sound arrangements. It’s definitely an epic soundtrack. Please do see my detailed review at http://www.adityapranav.com/2011/10/rockstar-soundtrack-rocking-all-over.html
Overall, it is worth watching and for music lovers, love story lovers, Ranbir Kapoor admirers and Imtiaz Ali fans it's a must watch.
Sadda Haq, Aithe Rakh!
Another major angle is a musical star’s life that has been portrayed brilliantly and the movie scores a cent percent marks here. This is clearly Ranbir Kapoor’s best performance as an actor and he shows how much he has evolved as an actor in such a short span of time. It’s an epic and landmark effort glorifying and taking his family legacy to the next level with his hard work doing all the talking. There are many scenes in the movie that makes you simply admire the star in awe. This character has given Ranbir a lot of scope to show his versatility and he surely has embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly. And as Ranbir himself claims that he does not want to carry a chip on his shoulder and wants to make everyone proud through his industriousness; it is time for Mr. Rishi Kapoor to shower him with the praise he’s been patiently waiting for. With this he also claims his spot for the nominations in various awards ceremonies and I would not be surprised if he grabs most of them. Ranbir Kapoor has been pretty vocal about his little musical sense and was throughout aware of his limitations. Still, the life he has given to “Jordan” (Janardan Jhakar) as the Rockstar will certainly leave you in a heightened sense of respect and praise for him. He gives a new dimension to Mohit Chauhan’s voice and Mr. Rahman’s epic soundtrack.
Nargis Fakhri, making her debut, impresses us in her portrayal of a lively and yet very confused girl from Kashmir. She is a fresh, extremely beautiful, and promising face of Hindi Film Industry. What is most striking is the kind of chemistry they have been able to establish and put up on the platter. This is another area where it deserves full marks so Mr. Imtiaz Ali’s team deserves the credit for being able to search her for this role. They make sure that you are with them throughout the movie and do end up sharing a part of their feelings. You would want to see them together despite the circumstances depicting a different picture. Such was the passion and the soul-connection: almost to a miraculous extent of Heer (Nargis Fakhri) getting a new lease of life every time she saw Jordan even though she’s suffering from a serious illness. It seemed as if an un-known force brought them together every time they decided against it. It was so compelling a force which could have only culminated in the divine union of two souls. When you cross the threshold and come inside that energy field, perhaps the only option left is to submit.
However, they were living in a world which was not as easy going as they would have liked it be and hence, they had to go through the ebb and flow of worldly affairs. And as the aspiring Rockstar had earlier heard of the pain and sufferings of some of the predecessors; he himself had come to the receiving end now. In the director’s words he was like a “tired, ferocious bird, flapping its wings furiously over the massive waves at night, with nowhere to go”. It was now time for him to surrender and come home with awareness that the souls couldn’t be separated and music won’t die. The hunting falcon comes home to the sound of drums.
I think Mr. Imtiaz Ali has dared to be different in this ambitious project and has indeed achieved a great deal. It’s a great work, but could have been exceptional had some of the areas been handled more carefully. Film editing appears to be one of them. The climax becomes a bit too lengthy and you are still left asking for more. I personally was looking for a happier ending. In spite of all these, the director has been able to stay true to his vision which is commendable. It lacks conviction at times. I sincerely hope that the aspiring Rockstars don’t take “Chal Gandh Machate Hain” in its literal sense.
It makes you cry and makes you feel for the couple. It did leave me emotionally drenched. It also made me think of the tragedies many great Rockstars like Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain and some others had to undergo. Why does it have to be so tragic? Can’t a person be totally sane and yet be a Rockstar? A Rockstar in a true and grand sense who carves out a rightful path for others to follow, not being so troubled and addicted to things that claim their lives and cut their story short. Most importantly, is it so difficult to become one despite being soul-mates or true lovers (in more worldly sense)? Let’s ponder a bit over these things and work towards claiming what is ours. Let’s be good and be a ROCKSTAR!
And last but not the least; it’s a musical extravaganza with Mr. A. R. Rahman composing fabulous tunes with innovative sound arrangements. It’s definitely an epic soundtrack. Please do see my detailed review at http://www.adityapranav.com/2011/10/rockstar-soundtrack-rocking-all-over.html
Overall, it is worth watching and for music lovers, love story lovers, Ranbir Kapoor admirers and Imtiaz Ali fans it's a must watch.
Sadda Haq, Aithe Rakh!
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| image taken from Google Images/hqvids.in |
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