Many films explore life, and some focus on music, but few manage to seamlessly weave the two together with the skill of ‘Rock On.’ This film stands out as a rare gem, where every element, character, and scene harmonizes perfectly. The brilliance lies in how the characters are intricately connected, reflecting past struggles and present achievements, without the craft ever feeling forced or obvious. The film masterfully turns the slice-of-life trope inside out, telling the story of four musicians who have abandoned their musical dreams in pursuit of conventional lives. The narrative subtly builds emotional depth, allowing each character’s inner turmoil to resonate without resorting to melodrama. The robust rock soundtrack, created by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, amplifies the characters’ emotions, offering a tangible manifestation of their feelings. The on-stage energy, captured so well in the film, is just one aspect of the film’s grandeur. The stage where Farhan Akhtar, Arjun Rampal, Kenny Luke, and Purab Kohli come together and fall apart is a metaphor for the stage of life where these musicians navigate their lives, often facing adversity. The film’s direction favors subtlety over overstatement. The dramatic tensions are palpable, and Farhan Akhtar excels as an actor, effectively portraying both the frustrations of a thwarted musician and a husband supported by his loving wife. The other relationship, between Arjun’s embittered musician and his hardworking wife, is skillfully navigated, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. The characterizations are exceptional, depicting individuals shaped by suburban challenges. The film transcends the scope of ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ and redefines human-interest drama by showcasing a range of human emotions. The film’s core, like Prachi Desai’s rendition of ‘Ajeeb dastaan hai yeh,’ is disarmingly innocent and sincere.
