ROCK ON 2 - Movie Review

ROCK ON 2 directed by Shujaat Saudagar, starring Farhan Akhtar, Shraddha Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, Purab Kohli, Prachi Desai, Shashank Arora, Shahana Goswami and Kumud Mishra. This musical drama is the sequel to Rock On, the story now continues after the character separate from the boy band in the past. Each now on their own paths for their own reasons, but are now set to give it a one more rocking push to set the stage on fire. What will it take for the members to get back together? The first half is more of a trail behind the separation of the band, each individuals meaning of living to this present day. The second half shows some urgency of trying to get the band off the ground so it picks up more pace hitting the higher chords as it seizes more drama.

POSITIVES

• The performances of the cast members were the standout, they were not exposed in an exaggerated perspective, left alone to deal with their feelings and their desire that is itching within them. Once on the verge of a reunion they feel energised, begin to standout and flaunt their charisma to set the tone of their ambition ahead. Each character has a past that links with the band that has tortured them mentally and made them move on to their detached ways. The cast inflict that emotion on their expressions with elegance and that made their acting more convincing. There are some standout scenes that really do spark some magic to this faltering screenplay, scenes especially with Arjun Rampal who really does have some heartfelt meaning on screen. As well as Shraddha wanting to make her career choice and not having to hold back. Farhan Akhtar dwelling on the past and holding a guilt, this showed versatility, coming from the lead man to now a fallen man who is getting back up.
• What works in Rock On 2 is that the character’s work well together, leaving a good sense of unity. It also gives exposure to the guilt that is keeping them back. The movie exploits a positive message about allowing your talent and passion to be free, not to hide behind it thinking what life would be and what others would think. Also building a unity to help one another in doing what means the most to them.
• The cinematography is another pointer to mention as it helped to build the importance as some shots were chosen quite well and at the right time in certain scenes. Good use of dark scenes to compliment the characters and their feelings.

NEGATIVES

• A significant let down with the script was the utilisation of voiceover narration to help progress the film. It felt unnecessary at some parts, lesser inclusion of the voiceovers where the films visuals could have been better to help narrate what was said. The control of making us listen to it rather than feel it through the acting dialogues was a downer because it did not grasp the attention as much.
• The sequel being more emotionally enclosed to the characters than what the first film was like. The first Rock On was more of a passion and desire and the music set the tone more towards a rock feel musical movie blended with a bit of drama. In Rock On 2 the music is more sensitively drenched and seems to bypass the concept of the first film. The music was good as it clinches on to feelings, making music from the heart but this type of music loses what was composed in the first film. It had adrenaline and intensity but in Rock On 2 the songs were not dreadful, it was just missing what was a highlight in the first film as the music really stood out and enthralled the viewers with the film. Rock On 2 missed out on that evidently as the buzz was none existent, it was more so psychologically imposing.
• The film is more on the problem and the outcomes and that despite being attention grabbing, it overshadowed the identity of Rock On and as a sequel that pushed aside what expectations the audience would have walked in with having seen the first film. I felt the writing needed to be sharper, the scenes were building the impact but fails to leave a mark leading to the next scene. The climax especially felt below-par and as mentioned earlier, it was not inflicting the thrill that seemed to fend off.
• A major disappointment were the characters of Prachi Desai ad Shahana Goswami, two characters who were the supporting figure in the first film were given a walk by type of involvement in the sequel. Okay, Prachi has some parts but not enough as you want to see more of her, but as for Shanana, she came in once or twice and then completely ignored and thrown away, she was not even mentioned in the rest of the film. As for the poor screenplay, characters were not exploited to the fullest.

 CAST

• FARHAN AKHTAR – A character hiding away from his true world and holding a guilt from the past. Farhan revealed good expressions that represented grieving and sadness. His usher attempts in doing something for others helped to clinch the viewers’ attention much more, inputting some realism on screen. He does not get into his rock star image until the latter stages of the film, that was being missed from the start heavily. But he does well enough, he may lack more control in the sequel as in the first film he was much more in control of the band by showing more of a thinker paving in more dominance than others.  
• SHRADDHA KAPOOR – A newcomer in the band, a talented rising singer, she did well with her acting performance and nails it with her singing. She is given a good chunk of screen time and gave her space to develop with her character showing a variety of sentiments and feelings.
• ARJUN RAMPAL – Possibly the standout character you would want to see more of. He seems to be in his zone at all times and keeping in chord with the beat of where the film is heading towards. The only character who is stable with his life in the film becomes the one who is the saviour in the concept. I think Arjun needed more scenes because he proved to be perfect in the film.  
• PURAB KOHLI – Starts off with his childish and funny antics but soon becomes serious, but other cast members do overshadow him as they are given more of a bigger role. But Purab is one who develops more in with the screenplay and inputs more often. Musically as a drummer not much was put on camera for us to cherish.
• PRACHI DESAI – Playing a much lesser role in the sequel, she comes in as the wife and continues that role. A pretty lady but this time stands her ground in making some vital decisions, but not much of her is involved in the film. Just appears here and there so it almost seems forgotten at times but she was great when she graced the screen. 

RATING 

I would rate Rock On 2 a rating of 2/5. The sequel would have needed something remarkable musically and be captivating to top off and achieve the levels of Rock On and its originality. The follow-up gave glimpses and it had the potential but a weak script keeps pulling the film back in sprinkling magic on screen. With some excellent performances, the strengths of the cast in representing a spectacle with the reunion, it probably was the best thing about this film, a saviour and glimmer in hope towards expecting the right chords which never came due to the script focusing more on other drama rather than the music. This sequel is not too bad nor good enough, an average film let down by the screenplay as that holds the cast back and does not provide a musical sensation from the band as the ‘magik’ persona seems to have faded away. But what does go down well is the fact the film touches upon what has happened, but neglects not only the music but also some factors such as Prachi Desai character and Shahana Goswami. I would recommend this film for some commendable performances that keep you attracted to the film and making you wait in the wings in hope to relive the magic but the music was not showcased in a way as if it was coming from the heart, drama was coming from the heart more and that turned this film into more of a personal dilemma rather than a rock on.  

JANUARY 2016 - Movie Of The Month

During the month of January 2016, Airlift was the best film to watch. Airlift is directed by Raja Krishna Menon, starring Akshay Kumar and Nimrat Kaur in the lead roles. This drama thriller is based on true events that transpired during the evacuations of Indians based in Kuwait during the Iraq-Kuwait war.  A strong script, praiseworthy acting and good direction help to take Airlift on to a promising journey.

What stood out for me the most was firstly; a strong script, which ensures a packed movie that, narrates the true story. Whether it comes from the characters emotions and what they are going through, the battle that is taking place, or the consequences the community faces, Airlift touches on every aspect leaving little room for questioning towards portraying a worthy depiction of a true story. Secondly, directional efforts were straight to the scene, not much experimentation was going on with trying to make such scenes seem mesmerizing, this could be due to the type of film that was being portrayed. But the lack of creativity and playing around with shots proves to be a positive, as the film required nothing spectacular. Throughout the film, shots were firm in trying to show realism and as an audience you feel as if you are a part of what is going through the mind of Akshay Kumar. Thirdly, performance was convincing from Akshay, nothing fancy or overly exaggerated, just stuck to his role that compliments the scenario occurring around him. Nimrat Kaur also proves to be a strong presence in pushing the film forward despite starting of slow.

As for the cast, Akshay Kumar packs in a solid leadership figure in being the mastermind behind obtaining the evacuation for the people. He showed emotions, promise and commitment throughout his role that made his character stand out and one that you want to see continuously. From a businessman kind of mentality thinking about himself and his family only, he soon becomes a thinker for others and worries about those around him for once, because unlike what he did in the beginning when it was all about making money, it now was about saving, saving the people and not the money. At times you will feel for his efforts, there be times you will appreciate his assurance as he pledges the safety of the Indians, you just get to witness several sides to Akshay in this film and that leaves him standing and walking tall in the film. As for Nimrat Kaur, at certain points in the film she seemed below par when compared to Akshay Kumar but she soon becomes a prominent figure in making her existence felt. She seems to be side to side with Akshay in the latter parts of the film unlike through the start where she seemed as a shadowing character instead. She has that bit of a upper class persona but soon stoops to the level of Akshay’s mentality towards helping others.

Airlift is a worthy watch as an average film portrays strong details in addressing a true event. But not only does the script and direction seem to be showcased well, credit needs to be heavily given to Akshay Kumar for taking this movie on his shoulders and just airlifting. Without a doubt, whether you like or dislike the story concept, you will witness a solid performance from Akshay, that is something to look out for.