Director: Imtiaz Ali
Starring: Ranbir Kapoor, Nargis Fakhri and Shammi Kapoor
‘A Captivating Classic’
Few actors in Bollywood are as celebrated as Ranbir Kapoor. Following rise to stardom during the 2000’s, Kapoor has become one of the best actors in the Indian film industry. Whether it’s star-crossed lovers, rockstars or deaf men that face barriers, Kapoor has portray many characters. Kapoor’s greatest strength as an actor is his charisma. He has proven one of those special actors with the ability to play characters through charisma alone. Through playing characters that are compelling, Kapoor has created an enduring legacy that’s lasting. A legendary figure in Indian Cinema, Kapoor has become one of those brilliant actors whose name attracts audiences toward the theatre. Throughout his long-lasting career, Kapoor has created many memorable movies that are definitely worth talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Kapoor and adore all the movies he has made in his career. However, “Rockstar” definitely stands out as being his most meaningful movie. Released in 2011, Imtiaz Ali’s movie offered a powerful portrait of tormented Indian rockstars. Packed with breathtaking musical sequences, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s an extraordinary Bollywood musical drama. At the centre of it all is a terrific performance by Ranbir Kapoor, who portrays a troubled musician. Although “Rockstar” is a riveting music drama, ultimately it is far from being a flawless film. It builds to an over the top ending without a satisfying resolution. That being said, it offers engaging entertainment for fans of Ranbir Kapoor.
“Rockstar” tells a story of a reckless college student that attempts to become a rockstar. Ranbir Kapoor portrays Janardan, a college student with ambition to become a famous musician. Janardan has always had a love for music which he regards with affections. When he’s given a chance to become a bold singer by a music producer, Janardan’s big dreams come true. However, his ambitions are ruined when love threatens to destroy his dreams of being a singer. Torn between his romantic affair and a music career, he questions whether it’s possible for him to achieve dreams about which he has grown to care. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Janardan wonders whether he will be a famous singer.
Imtiaz Ali is fascinated with the themes of doomed love. A fantastic Indian filmmaker, Ali has often made engaging movies about doomed lovers facing disaster. His iconic movie “Jab We Met” offered a compelling portrait of lovers that are torn apart by the forces of fate where they have met. With “Rockstar”, however, Ali made his first ever music drama. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the lives of rockstars facing adversity but he succeeded. Using captivating cinematography, Ali captures the life of a rockstar seeking to overcome tragedy. Evoking James Mangold’s “Walk the Line”, Ali effectively uses montages to capture musicians whose lives decline. For instance, montages elevate the concerts scene. During this bold scene, Janardan seeks to play melodies to prepare for a concert. Using strong montages, Ali crafts a portrait of musicians which is compelling. Montages are tricky techniques to use in Bollywood movies. As Ayan Mukerji’s “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani” proved, montages enhance Bollywood films about friendship. Nevertheless, it works immensely. Using stunning visuals, Ali conveys tensions that musicians are facing.
Another strong aspect of “Rockstar” which deserves appreciation is production. From a technical perspective, it’s one of the finest Bollywood movies you will ever see. Evoking Hrishikesh Mukerjee’s “Abhimaan”, Ali deftly used cross-cutting to stage music concerts that are engaging. For instance, the cross-cutting elevates the “Kun Faya Kun” song. During this unforgettable song, Janardan experiences the moment of spiritual power transforming into a singer after he is kicked out of his home. Using bold cross-cutting, Ali creates a portrait of musicians which is captivating. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. It gives the movie an engaging atmosphere capturing the burden musicians bear. Through breathtaking production, Ali captures the life of a commemorated Indian musician.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Rockstar” is a Bollywood music film that is engaging. The film is extremely well-written, and effectively uses silence to capture the tension that troubled musicians experience. For instance, silence elevates the musician breakup scene. During this heartfelt scene, Janardan experiences a sad breakup with his girlfriend which impacts his dreams of becoming a musician. Through the use of silence, Ali creates a portrait of musicians audiences can relate to. Silence is a tricky technique to use in Bollywood movies. As Anurag Basu’s “Barfi!” suggested, silence enhances Bollywood films about disability. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this film. Using a spectacular screenplay, Janardan captures musicians that experience a price to pay.
One appreciates astonishing performances.
Ranbir Kapoor gives one of his best career performances as Janardan. Kapoor earned appreciation for playing romantic heroines in iconic Bollywood movies. With “Rockstar”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a rockstar that faces adversity but he succeeds immensely. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him in the past before: ambitious, charismatic and vulnerable in his most memorable role. With riveting expressions, he captures the angst, passion and spirit of a musician that faces tensions. It’s a phenomenal performance by one of the most celebrated actors working in India today.
While the movie is mainly a bold showcase for Kapoor, the supporting cast is excellent and worthy of appreciation. Nargis Fakhri is fantastic, capturing the fierce personality of a woman that falls in love with a musician causing tragedy. Shammi Kapoor is superb, bringing compassion to a musician seeking success in a competitive profession. Lastly, Piyush Mishra merits appreciations. As an Indian musician, he is unforgettable.
Despite its strong performances, however, “Rockstar” can’t quite capture the struggle faced by a rockstar. If there’s a shortcoming to the movie, it lacks an engaging ending. It is an over the top conclusion which fails to bring the movie to a resolution. At worst, it perpetrates myths about musicians which aren’t true to reality. Therefore, “Rockstar” is one of those Bollywood movies which not everyone will adore.
Nevertheless, fans of Ranbir Kapoor would enjoy “Rockstar” and so will audiences that seek exhilarating entertainment. A riveting Bollywood music blockbuster, it honours an iconic Indian actor.
Nearly 15 years following the release of an iconic Bollywood movie about a musician that struggles to achieve his dreams on a path of self-destruction, it’s a captivating reminder of a beloved Indian actor that has built a strong reputation through his ability to play compelling characters in memorable movies throughout his career which deserve appreciation.
4.5/5 stars
The Film Buff 