Directed by Abhishek Kapoor Rock On (2008) explores the lives of four young men who come together to form a rock band, `Magik.` Aditya Shroff (Farhan Akhtar) is the lead singer, Joe Mascarenhas Arjun Rampal) is the lead guitarist, KD (Purab Kohli) is the `Killer drummer` and Rob Nancy (Luke Kenny ) is in charge of the keyboard. Rock On is a journey of these four passionate music lovers.
Magik binds Aditya, Joe, Rob and KD. These four pals thrive on music. They perform on stage and finally decide to take part in the Channel V talent hunt contest. They win and are signed to make their very first album. Problems crop up from the very beginning when they are compelled to leave Joe`s composition, "Tum Ho Toh," a soft romantic ballad to include a remix number on the insistence of the music company. The initial compromises lead to more trouble. A clash of ideas between Joe and Aditya leave their dreams unfulfilled.
It is a wait of 10 years and an initiative on the part of Aditya`s wife, Sakshi Shroff (Prachi Desai) that the band reunites again. Aditya now is a successful investment banker, KD is looking after his family jewellery business, Rob plays in jingles and Joe is jobless. He teaches guitar to children. His wife, Debbie (Shahana Goswami), looks after the family business and labours hard to make the family run.
A chance meeting with KD in a jewelry shop helps Sakshi to discover a facet of her husband that she has never witnessed. She discovers Aditya as a poet, a happy man for whom music is life. His deliberate attempts to run away from his dreams have made him mechanical. He has forgotten to smile and more importantly to live. He has walled himself up and refuses to let anyone enter his fortress; not even his wife. As a surprise Sakshi arranges for his friends to catch up with him on his birthday. Initially Aditya is reluctant and even fights with Sakshi. it is when his wife leaves that he gives in to his most cherished dreams.
In the 10 years both Joe and Aditya have matured and this time when they meet they put aside their differences. Saskhi has never seen Aditya happier but Joe does not disclose about their visits to Aditya`s house for their jam session to Debbie. One fine day Rob comes up with the idea that they should participate in the Channel V contest once again. After initial hesitations all agree. As Joe breaks this news to Debbie she simply refuses to let him participate. Instead she wants him to go with a cruise as a part of their music group. On the other hand Rob is terminally ill. It is almost his last desire to perform on stage with lights, live audience, notes, music and friends.
The finale arrives but Joe does not turn up. As Magik goes up on stage they dedicate their song to Joe, "Tum Ho Toh." a twist in the tale and Joe finally joins the band. Magik rocks the crowd in their last performance. After this and with Rob dead they never go up on stage. But to keep Magik alive the rest of the friends keep meeting on every weekend. Joe and KD set up a music company to promote fresh talent. Rock On ends with Debbie becoming a successful stylist and KD ending up with Devika (Koel Purie), Sakshi`s friend.
Rock On is an honest take on the dreams and aspirations of four young people who learn from their past experiences and reunite for the sake of music and friendship. Music is their identity and without it life is listless and rhythmless. As they reunite and start jamming the lost rhythm is back. Rock On is the first film of its kind that sincerely deals with rock bands and music. The songs are an integral part of the film and Shankar Ehsaan Loy`s music beautifully captures the mood of the film.
As far as the performances are concerned Arjun Rampal rocked once again. He truly looks like a rock king. His retrained performance as an unsuccessful man is awe inspiring. Purab Kohli, Luke Kenny, Prachi Desai, Nicolette Bird, Koel Purie and Shahana Goswami are perfect in their roles. But the surprise package is Farhan Akhtar. The spontaneity and subtleties in his performance makes it difficult to believe that Rock On is his debut as an actor. He is plays Aditya to the hilt.
Abhishek Kapoor`s Rock On truly rocks!
