Andhra Pradesh

A tribute to youth

Farhan Akhtar

Film: Rock On Cast: Farhan Akhtar, Arjun Rampal Director: Abhishek Kapoor

Youth is a one-way street but the journey can be exhilarating. Ask Farhan Akhtar, Arjun Rampal, Luke Kenny, Purab Kohli and a host of other youngsters who form the life of ‘Rock On’. Director Abhishek Kapoor’s film, drenched in the liquor of youth, has chutzpah. This story of four musicians, who share bread and good times together, has a soul that is abiding. You feel for Farhan and gang when they come up with the ultimate example of camaraderie.

You feel for them when they go their own ways: one guy is a banker, the next gets into a family jewellery business, and two of them stick to music with varying shades of success. ‘Rock On’ has its heart in the right place. So we know the guys will come back, and the bond, though occasionally challenged, shall never break. The foursome unite for a concert that heals all wounds, assuages frayed nerves. Throw in some urban girls, dressed suitably, speaking the lingo apt for the setting, and bringing the guys around one last time, and you have a film that has a touch of reality to it.

A bit like ‘Dil Chahta Hai’, a bit like ‘Jhankaar Beats’, this is a classy multiplex film that could be loved by teeny-boppers and those in college and just beyond. Short on the unexpected, the novel, it still speaks their language, airs their fears, fuels their aspirations. Backed by competent performances by the entire cast, notably Farhan and Arjun, a couple of good tunes by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, ‘Rock On’ almost lives up to its name.

ZS

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