Is the Rock mode on?

Past few days we all have been going mad with this new Currency notes situation. All the places are literally empty except for the banks, which have endless queues. But for me it’s Sunday again, and I am back with my views on the film Rock On 2. I remember when in 2008 Rock On came out and how all my friends went crazy for the film not just for the cool rock music but also for those fun and meaningful lyrics of the songs. When Rock On 2 came out, I went to watch the film with a lot of questions, whether the music of this one is able to create that rock vibe in the film? Will Shujaat Saudagar, another director be able to create the same Magik with the film as Abhishek Kapoor created for Rock On? And most importantly will Shraddha Kapoor fit in the band?

The film begins with reminding us about the last moments of the band before Rob (Luke Kenny) dies. Then it throws you to the present day where we see KD (Purab Kohli) who is narrating the story to us and creates jingles for Ad agency for living. Joe (Arjun Rampal) who is a completely transformed person now, he is a judge on a reality music show and owns a swanky nightclub. In all this we are looking for Adi (Farhan Akhtar) but he is no longer living an urban life, he is living in a small village of Meghalaya away from his wife Sakshi(Prachi Desai) and helping the locals in the betterment of their lives.

We see them reunite, when all including Debbie (Shahana Goswami) come to visit Adi to celebrate his birthday and they have a small jamming session. Their moments and those arguments surely take us back in time. Not going much in details about the story there are new band members in the Magik, Jiah (Shraddha Kapoor) and Uday  (Shashank Arora). Jiah has a past connection with Magik, and is almost a regular Hindustani rebel daughter because of her father Pandit Vibhuti (Kumud Mishra). Due to certain political and natural circumstances, Magik unites and joins hands with other members and hold a concert in the hills to raise money, which of course leads Jiah to become the singing sensation.

Music is given by Shankar Ehsaan Loy, which surely doesn’t do much for me except for two songs one is sung by Shraddha herself – tere mere dil with that Sarod touch and Hoi Kiw by Usha Uthup, Kit Shangpliang and Pynsuklin Syiemiong (Summer salt band from Shillong), which has echo of Northeastern influence and the voice against the evil. The scenic beauty of Meghalaya surely makes you want to pack your bags and travel. Its good to see that Indian cinema is finally exploring northeast and promoting it. B-blunt of course handles the hair styling part and Fat-mu has done make up for all. Aki Narula handles the costumes of the film.

Joe has a complete transformation for the sequel, clean hairstyle; designer velvet suits with printed shirts. His clothes surely signified rich urban man. Debbie was barely seen in two scenes, but didn’t leave any mark, where was the difference from that Debbie who couldn’t stop smelling her hands and now being a fashion designer who is going to Paris. Her attire was rather too simple. KD was seen in regular t-shirts and cargos and jeans layered with jackets.

 Acid washed T-shirts, colored pants and hoodies surely made us realize that Mr. KD is still single, fun and young at heart. 

Adi living in northeast has the local rustic influence on in his wardrobe. With chunky sweaters and heavy cordouy jackets to regular tartan shirts and his headbands. I wish he wasn’t too accessorized and wore simple clothes instead of those crisp shirts when he is forced to return back to the urban lifestyle. And please why that I-phone in the hills? Too contradictory!

There were a few scenes when Adi, Joe and KD were seen in the old days with those old looks be it that Jaago performance at the Gateway or the wedding song performance. Those Black suits with white sneakers definitely reminded me of Beatles.

Sakshi was playing the role of a soccer mom, trying to manage her life single handedly since her husband decided to reside in the hills. Her clothes were pretty ordinary with regular formal dressing and jeans with those necklaces. But her hair, too perfect to be true with that faux bob. I thought she had so much handle single handedly then why so perfect gelled hair?

Jiah has more of an anti girly and grunge look going on. From Cargos and anti fit pants to very regular t-shirts and crop tops and t-shirts to Heavy jackets in the hills. Was seen wearing boots and regular sneakers. Her hair was surely messy and confusing. With lots of accessories going on. Liked her DIY headphones.

Pandit Vibhuti is retired and has given up on life but, but was seen in clean white kurta pajama and shawl. Which surely gave the sense of his mental state of mind and his hidden emotions.

Uday is a regular small town struggler and is seen in ordinary kurtas and basic jeans. Manjot gave a fun wannabe singer vibe and cheered us whenever he came on screen. Usha Uthup brought a smile on my face; love the energy she creates and this age also. Her gold and ethnic Maxi Kaftan with that big hair up do. I only wish her hair wasn’t curled and was left natural in that up do with that scarf.

The final performance on the hills was beautiful and definitely a sight to watch. There were certainly lots of downsides in the film. It definitely is not a mark higher than the previous one but it doesn’t let’s you down as well. I wish Jiah was more of  Anoushka Shankar than Jennifer Lopez or Rihanna.

Love,

Cine Closet.