Film: Rock On!! 2
Cast: Farhan Akhtar, Shraddha Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, Purab Kohli, Prachi Desai
Director: Shujaat Saudagar
What's it about:
The thing with sequels is that it is a tricky proposition. The concept of taking the story ahead or weaving a narrative with established characters is not an easy task. In 2008, Rock On came out of nowhere and made us fall in love with its carefree rockstars who knew the intricacies of melodies and riffs. Fast forward to eight years in time and we aren't sure if we were ready to see washed out versions of characters we loved. Rock On 2 brings back Adi (Farhan Akhtar), Joe (Arjun Rampal) and KD (Purab Kohli) in a new setting. Everyone has aged (some like a fine wine bottle, others not so much) and the setting oscillates between Mumbai and Meghalaya. Having turned a new leaf over and bid goodbye to music, Adi is now helping set up a local cooperative farm unit in the North East. A tragic incident that involves a suicide changes him forever. Jia (Shraddha Kapoor) who steps into his life has an eerie connection to that tragedy. Will the Magik return with a band reunion ? Do the tunes and melodies resonate with us like before ?
What's hot:
Your favourite character are back and there is an immense sense of deja vu just watching them in the same frame. Even the throwback moments or songs to the first Rock On will put a smile on your face. Among the performances, Arjun Rampal is first rate. He not only is the best looking guy in the cast but also manages to stay in sync with his character. His rage in the scene leading to the interval is fantastic. Cinematography is first rate and a new terrain is always a welcome change. Shraddha does a good job behind the mike and her tunes sound better than Farhan's.
What's not
There is a lack of energy in the overall screenplay. Everything just feels lethargic and the constant throwbacks and need to remind us of the first film is unnecessary and desperate. We come in wanting to experience a story of a band who symbolised breaking free and delivering some great tunes. Unfortunately, music is one the weakest assets of the film. Most of the songs seem situational but don't manage to stay with you till the end of the film. The Meghalaya angle and subplot of Farhan getting involved with local welfare comes across as gimmicky and forced. Shraddha and Farhan's relationship has no name, are they friends? lovers? more than just friends? There is a constant cloud of ambiguity hovering above these two. Farhan seems fatigued through half the film and his character doesn't do much to retain our interest. Also the random cuts between Meghalaya and Mumbai seem to jolt us out of our senses.
What to do:
Rock On 2 might have been a great concept on paper, but it just doesn't become the sequel we all expected. Instead revisit the original and head bang to those tunes.
Rating: 2 stars
