Movie Review: Rockstar (Hindi)

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Rockstar, directed by Imtiaz Ali is a movie I have been waiting to watch ever since I heard it was being made. 

I see a lot of promise in Imtiaz Ali. He belongs to the younger generation of intelligent and talented directors who are steering Hindi cinema in a new direction. I have loved his previous movies especially Jab We Met. Even though he is known for his 'old-wine-in-new-bottle' brand of cinema, he has the uncanny knack of giving a refreshing twist to any love story. Love stories are his forte and even with a movie titled 'Rockstar' it is evident that he can't stay away from the subject. From the title you might think its a movie is about the rise of an underdog to become a rockstar, but basically, it is a love story with a few rockstar elements thrown in for good measure.

***Plot***

Rockstar is the story of Janardhan Jakkar, a young, guitar strumming college student from the small town of Pitampura who dreams of being a rockstar. 

Janardhan comes to the conclusion that in order to be a great songwriter, he needs to have experienced life-altering pain and tragedy (as is the case with most rockstars). He sets off trying to get his heart broken in order to come closer to his goal and in the process strikes a friendship with college beauty queen Heer. At first, Heer comes across as being prim and proper but it is gradually revealed that she has a secret wild side. Together, as partners in crime the duo share many crazy escapades but eventually go on their separate paths. 

However, fate brings them together again and as they reignite a latent romance, there starts to emerge an internal struggle to be together despite the heavy baggage that weighs them down. The clandestine passion between the two is smoldering. While Janardhan aka 'Jordan' is trapped in this own web of success, Heer is trapped in a marriage that was never meant to be. 

What happens to Jordan's career? Do Jordan and Heer get their happy ending? You have to watch the movie to find out. 

My thoughts...

Jordan is the main protagonist and his journey from being a nobody to a rockstar peppered with minor trials and tribulations is interesting. However, the reason for his angst is irrational and unjustified. So many instances in the movie make you scratch your head and go....'why'??? You have this revolutionary solo artist who despite having achieved his goals, experiences bouts of extreme frustration that he cannot be with the girl he loves. He doesn't care about the fame or money that he had so desperately desired, is badly behaved, repeatedly screws up his recording contracts, drives his manager nuts, attacks the paparazzi and frequently gets into trouble with the law but at the same time does not conform to the rockstar stereotype with an entourage or an addiction to  alcohol, cigarettes, drugs or women. 

In the West, badly behaved celebrities garner much publicity and their wild antics are easily forgotten but it seems a bit hard to believe that the same concept would work in India. India does not have Rockstars, it never has, so the idea of a 'desi' Jim Morrison is a bit difficult to digest. So in my humble opinion, if you are looking for realism, this is not the movie for you (I suggest you watch Rock On! instead). 

The first half of the movie is funny and entertaining but mid-way the plot begins to meander and as it nears the end, the movie becomes boring, uninspired and somewhat confusing. In general, the storyline is weak as the narrative lacks substance but the quirky dialogues, good performances and soulful music help elevate the movie.

Ranbir pitches in a good performance as Jordan. I was impressed with him in Wake Up Sid and Rocket Singh and with Rockstar, he proves that he is a force to reckon with. Although he hails from one of the most illustrious Bollywood families and there will always be naysayers who will cry nepotism, I do believe that he has the talent to cement his place in the film industry. This particular role calls for a metamorphosis from a naive college student to a neurotic Rockstar which requires him to display a wide range of emotions and he manages to pull it off quite admirably. Nargis Fahkri as Heer is just about okay. She has crackling chemistry with Ranbir, lovely hair, an enviable complexion and screen presence but that is just about it. She has miles to go before she can be considered an 'actress'. Her facial expressions, mannerisms and dialogue delivery are anything but natural and in parts she just looks awkward. For most of the movie, she comes across as a model mouthing rehearsed lines. I know that since this is her debut, I should probably cut her some slack but my only question to the director is, why get mediocre imports when surely there is no dearth of talented native picks? In my mind, there should be a solid justification for giving her such a meaty role. Did this role land in her kitty solely because she is a fresh face or can easily pass of as a Kashmiri? Sorry, but as a movie buff who has certain expectations from a promising filmmaker, that is not good enough reason for me. Rockstar would have been a far better movie with a competent leading lady. The supporting cast is good especially the canteen owner who later takes over as Ranbir's manager. Shammi Kapoor in his last cameo appearance is endearing.

The cinematography is impressive. From the buzzing vibrancy of Delhi to the exotic beauty of Kashmir to the quiet charm of Prague, the locales have been captured beautifully. The musical score by A.R Rahman is fantastic. That he is a genius is common knowledge. The songs are catchy, apt and come in at the right time in the movie. They stay with you for a long time after watching the movie which is a signature feature of the musical maestro. 

Rockstar is a one-time watch. If you are a die-hard fan of Ranbir or Rahman, you might be tempted to go back for more.


My rating for this movie is

Cheers,

Megha