Rockstar (2011)

Directed By - Imtiaz Ali

Starring - Ranbir Kapoor, Nargis Fakhri, Shernaz Patel, Aditi Rao Hyderai, Late Shammi Kapoor.

After reading a number of reviews criticizing the movie, i thought i will have the same opinion. But i am surprised that i agree with them on certain things and disagree on a LOT more. 

Rockstar is about Janardhan Jakhar (Ranbir Kapoor) a run of the mill Delhi guy with a inborn knack for music. Its about his exploding rise to stardom and his complex relationship with Heer (Nargis Fakhri) which moulds his personality, his 'image' and most importantly his music. I would not like to go into a detailed synopsis because this is a film which is essentially made of moments.

The film does have a number of problems. For one, it is a tad too long and drags a bit towards its end. Number two, Nargis Fakhri. To call her acting pathetic, is an understatement. Heer is essentially a character one should start sympathizing with in the latter half of the movie. But Ms Fakhri's 'acting' totally spoils the character depth. Number three, the script is confused in the sense that it doesn't seem to know whether it wants to be a film on the life of a musician-his passion, his pain or whether it wants to a be a film which analyses in depth the complexity of  an unique relationship that the protagonists share. It is this ambiguity in writing that Oliver Stone used to his advantage on his biopic 'The Doors (1991)' and it totally goes against Rockstar.  

But Rockstar's greatest strength lies in the fact that it has honesty and depth that is missing in Hindi movies nowadays.  The films character sketches are top notch. You don't see too many conventional ones. Imtiaz ali yet again blends his characteristic romantic setup but this time he makes a little more complex. Ali understands understands his characters intimately but somehow his execution falters at times. You see moments of brilliance like when Jordan goes and kisses Heer backstage ( a la Black Swan) and then is quickly pushed onto the stage where the entire crowd gives him a standing ovation and you see Heer slowly putting her head down. Personally, that's what i call character graphing!. Another gem of a scene is where Jordan starts shouting at Heer and subsequently at the reporters after she quits the affair.

The film has a fun first half (characteristic of Ali) but suffers from major hiccups post intermission.The basic fault in the film is that it tries to justify Jordan for the way he is and doesn't come up with a satisfactory reason. Again ill have to draw comparisons with Oliver Stone's film. The high point of that film was it never tried to justify or provide a reason for the way Morrison was. 

Of the cast the lesser that is said of Nargis Fakhri the better. Shernaz patel puts in an endearing act as the mother of Heer. The elegance that she brings to her role tells us why she is an actor of such great repute.Shammi Kapoor in his last film appearance totally rocks it. With a screen time of around five minutes, he manages to bring a nostalgic charm while at the same a critical character angle to the film. Aditi Rao stars as Sheena,  her character is very badly written but she manages to do pretty well despite that (not to mention she looks gorgeous). But the film solely belongs to Ranbir Kapoor. He deserves to be proud of what he has done in the film. Its a standout performance right from the Delhi dimwit Janardhan to the wild and unpredictable Jordan. If you ask me he should sweep all the best actor awards. Its a performance that works towards overshadowing the negatives of the film. 

The second high point about the film is its soundtrack and the way the song sequences have been short. You have to see it to understand it. Moreover the non-linear story writing although unnecessary is not too bad.

Rockstar is nowhere close to being a fantastic film but has Honesty and depth and frankly is way better than the other 'biggies' that have released this year.

In all, although Imtiaz Ali disappoints despite a great effort, Watch this one for Rahman and Ranbir

Rating - 7.3/10