Rock On! - Reading between the lines

Rock On is the story of the journey of a rock band from youthful exuberance, to cynicism and surrender, and to a rediscovery of joy. It has what you would expect of a movie from the Farhan Akhtar stable, though it isn't Farhan who has directed movie.

Rock On depicts the lives of our generation, their dilemmas and their emotional turmoil in a sensitive and subtle way. We are a society high on hope and confidence today. The opportunity is there, the situation is right and challenges stare us in the face. Go for it! Follow your mind, fear no failure. Today isn't a time for a compromise. Because you don't want to repent for it all your life and feel stifled for a wrong choice you made, as Aditya (Farhan's character) did.

It is easy to buckle down when the real challenge comes. If you are down and out, it is not that bad a situation. There is only one way - up. But, life rarely challenges you by putting you in a spot. Most of the time, you are encountered by choices. It is these challenges that really test your spirit. You fear the road less travelled, you pick up the escape route that life offers. A little bit of composure on the part of Joe (Arjun Rampal) and Aditya, the story might have been different. Its all about giving time, handling pressure and understanding the situation.

In the end, its not about short term goals, like forming a rock band. Its about living life with joy in the way you know and believe. That's what the protagonists realize after their reunion, when they sing for the sheer pleasure it gives them.

This surely wouldn't be a movie review, but it is just an attempt to summarize what went through my mind as I was watching the movie.

Movie: Strongly recommended for the plot, performances and music.