Rock on – A movie that stands apart

Of late, Bollywood is churning out one different movie followed by the next; each one choosing consciously not to tread the beaten path of commercial cinema and at the same time having enough meat to get noticed by critics and masses alike receiving rave reviews and getting the deserved attention. It is a good time to be following Bollywood.

Looking back, Taare Zameen Par started the trend. Aamir, Sarkar Raj, Shaurya, Mumbai Meri Jaan, A Wednesday and Rock on – all of these movies are linked by the fact their heart is in the right place. Not ingratiating, not looking to impress, having a good story, backed by impressive direction, staying out of stereotyped song and dance sequences, they have went on to show that Hindi cinema can indeed rise above the ordinary flock and speak on issues that are contemporary and have resonating relevance world over.

Rock on – It had huge expectations and it has manged to live up to it. Its audience is the predominantly the youth who dreams big, has reasonably achievable aspirations, but gets lost somewhere. Lack of right support, ego altercations, a little hesitancy, failure to compromise at the right moment, other things assuming a more grave priority – the movie links all these beads and weaves together a beautiful thread.

Supported ably by Shankar, Ehsan and Loy, the lyrics are simple, innovative and speak to the young audience like never before. Javed Akhtar has surpassed himself. Just sample these:

Yeh Tumhari Meri Baathein, Hamesha Yuhin Chalti Rahe

Yeh Hamari Mulakate, Hamesha Yuhin Chalti Rahe

Beete Yuhin Apne Saare Din Raat

Baaton Se Nikalti Rahe Nayi Baat

Tum Ho To Raahen Bhi Hai, 

Tum Nahin To Rasthey Kahan

Tum Ho To Yahan Sab Hi Hai, 

Tum Nahin To Kaun Yahan

Tum Ho To Hai Har Ek Pal Meharbaan Yeh Jahaan

Jo Tum Ho To Hawa Mein Bhi Mohabbat Ka Rang Hai

Jo Tum Na Ho To Phir Koi Na Josh Na Umang Hai 

Tum Mile To Mili Yeh Zindagi

Meri Laundry Ka Ek Bill, Ek Aadhi Padi Novel… Ta Ra Ta Ta Ta ….Ta Ra Ta Ta Ta…

Ek Ladki Ka Phone Number, Mere Kaam Ka Ek Paper… Ta Ra Ta Ta Ta ….Ta Ra Ta Ta Ta…

Mere Taash Se Heart Ka King, Mera Ek Chandi Ka Ring

Pichhle Saat Dino Mein Maine Khoya

Kabhi Khud Pe Hansa Main Aur Kabhi Khud Pe Roya

Dil Karta Hai Sadkon Par Zor Se Gaoon

Sab Apne Apne Ghar Ki Khidki Kholen

Phir Main Aise Josheelay Geet Sunaoon

Mere Geeton Ko Sunke Sab Ye Bolen

Rock On… Hai Ye Waqt Ka Ishaara 

Rock On… Har Lamha Pukaara

Rock On….Yuhin Dekhta Hai Kya Tu

Rock On….Zindagi Millegi Na Dobaara…

Aasma Hai Neela Kyun, Paani Geela Geela Kyun

Gol Kyun Hai Zameen, Silk Mein Hai Narmi Kyun

Aag Mein Hai Garmi Kyun, Do Aur Do Paanch Kyun Nahi

Pedd Ho Gaye Kum Kyun, Teen Hain Ye Mausam Kyun

Chaand Do Kyun Nahi, Duniya Mein Hai Jung Kyun

Behta Laal Rang Kyun, Sarhaden Hain Kyun Har Kahin

Socha Hai... Yeh Tumne Kya Kabhi

Socha Hai... Ki Hain Yeh Kya Sabhi

Socha Nahi To Socho Abhi…..

If these don’t strike a chord with the youth, nothing ever can.

Caught in the middle of careers struggling to take off, a reunion gives an opportunity for four friends to come together again, bury their egos, give their lost aspirations another chance at redemption and proclaim to the world that the spark they nourished as youth is alive and kicking.

The movie ends on a note of practical optimism and inspiration. It is an effort that deserves the highest praise.