Movie Review: 'Rockstar' - It's Ranbir, Rahman All the Way


Movie Review: 'Rockstar' - It's Ranbir, Rahman All the Way

Anitha S
Daijiworld Media Network - Entertainment

Rating: 2.5/5

Mangalore, Nov 12: If you are looking for realism, better go somewhere else. 'Rockstar' tries to be real, but doesn't quite succeed. In the course of those few hours in the theatre, you get to witness the rising of a wannabe college bloke to a mega international rockstar, and believe me, the journey will have you scratching your head over how it all happened.

The rockstar's life is chaotic, to say the least, and the same could be said of the movie as well. In fact, it is more of a troubled love story with the rockstar part of it as a filler to keep the movie going forward. Or rather, backward-forward, backward-forward.


Plot

In a nutshell, it is the story of a boy-next-door Janardhan Jhakar (Ranbir Kapoor) who wants to become an international rockstar ala Jim Morrison. He is told that an artiste finds his real self only when he experiences pain and tragedy, and Janardhan lands at the feet of Heer (Nargis Fakhri), described as the 'dil todne ki (heart-breaking) machine' of the college. After a jarring bit of comedy and a screaming-at-the-top-of-her-voice Heer, the two strike a chord. You wonder how a girl who is known to have been with many guys before suddenly opens up to our simple lad, to show a side of herself 'never known before'. You just sigh to yourself and go on.

Heer marries off and goes to Prague, while Janardhan, who is by now Jordon, suffers all kinds of tragedies and ends up travelling to Europe and becoming a rockstar with a single performance in, guess where - Prague. What follows is a stormy love story, interspersed with rock concerts, stints in jail, screaming teens running after Jordon and media hounds thrusting their mikes into his face.

The kind of relationship the two share, you can't help but be reminded of Heathcliff and Catherine of Wuthering Heights. They are not childhood friends nor is the story the same, but the chemistry is similar. Heer's illness, Jordon's agony, his attempts at meeting her, all are reminiscent of the love that transcends ordinary limits that Catherine and Heathcliff depict so well.

Nevertheless, the movie fails in that it doesn't really touch you. You will not find yourself pitying either Heer or Jordon. Your heart will not weep for them, nor will you rejoice in their joy. The movie goes on and on, and the ending stretches for forever. And then it suddenly ends.


Movie

The cinematography is superb, and deserves full marks. Kashmir to Europe the scenery is captured beautifully, and the songs too are picturised well. The real winner, however, is A R Rahman. His music keeps you awake and alive, and there are times when you just want to get up and dance along. The second half is more about the music than the first, and more engaging as well. The screen play could have been better, as the story moves back and forth in a chaotic manner. One instant he is performing at a concert, next moment he's being roughed by police, and then you see him romancing Heer, all repeatedly and in no particular order.


Performances

Watch the movie for Ranbir Kapoor. That's the best reason to watch it, if not the only one. He is amazing in his roles, be it the wannabe buffoon or the angry rockstar, but personally, I felt the rockstar image does not go well with Ranbir, who is best when he's lovable and giggly. At times you tend to even mistake him for Arjun Rampal.

Nargis Fakhri looks breathtaking, but that's about it. Her acting skills need some fine-tuning, and in those scenes where she's supposed to be angry, all you get are expressionless screams.

Shammi Kapoor's cameo is the only thing that really touches you, and needless to say, the scenes he appears in make you want to watch him on and on.

Piyush Mishra as music agent Dhingra stands out with his perfect comic timing. He has you laughing heartily, especially in the 'maalish' scene.


Verdict

The movie is, at best, a one-time watch. Director Imtiaz Ali doesn't quite hit it off, and you can't help but wish for a flow and rhythm that his 'Jab We Met' had.

 

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Comment on this article

  • amit, delhi

    Sun, Dec 18 2011

    My problem with the character is

    (a) why director don't show the family attachment with these kind of character why don't they show any responsibility on the shoulder on the character. Imagine if he was the only earning member or the only son in his family then was it possible for him to run away from home to become what he wanted in his life ?...you don't show family bonding you don't show mother and father and yet expect people to believe that one fulfilled his goals (just because his heart broke) so quickly & found the right people at right time (shammi kapoor and piyush mishra) who were waiting for him & gave him big opportunity.

    Becoming something in life is not a cakewalk..You are not born in an educated & rich family where they support & encourage your talent................ You run away from home forgetting your responsibility............ your parents doesn't bother where their children have gone...................you don't have enough cash to meet your expenses.................... You don't have any Guru in your life ...........you are inborn talent which doesn't need polishing........you never went to music class............you never learnt abc of music...........you never did Riaz...........you think classical music is boring.............you never in touch with creative people around you.......................BUT WHEN YOU GO ON STAGE YOU ROCKS........strange...........I don't relate with this kinds of New Hindi Cinema charismatic AVATARS.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • pinky, punjab

    Mon, Jun 30 2014

    very bad movie..just hate this movie..agree with Amit.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • mony, bengal

    Sat, Nov 26 2011

    Great movie. never watched a movie b4 whch cd deal with a tumultuous love story wd sch grace..the passion was palpable even when the 2 entwined fingers..u dnt need lust and masala to make a movie.sorry anitha mebbe u were PMSing the day u watched rockstar..coz we FELT and WEPT 4 ranbir.. gosh he was amazing!

    DisAgree [2] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Abhishek, Lucknow

    Tue, Nov 22 2011

    Hii,
    Actually I like movie but there is not that much in this I liked it only because of its music ,could any body tell me about the end part of this movie.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • seo manish kumar, Bangalore

    Sun, Nov 20 2011

    I really like the comment of pinky :)
    It was awesome movie , the perfectionist only can watch from DIL se :) hats off to full team of Rockstar :)

    DisAgree [1] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • khare, rohtak

    Mon, Nov 14 2011

    Wuthering heights forms the core of movie. Even I thought so. Thanks for mentioning Anitha.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • arathi Shetty, mangalore

    Sun, Nov 13 2011

    Sab Bakwas Hai . was der anything in the movie apart from romance .!lol

    DisAgree [3] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • amit, delhi

    Sun, Nov 13 2011

    its a gud mvie which cud hav been great. Story telling iz very confusing, editing iz nt up 2 mark, direction iz ok-ok, music iz d soul of d mvie which wz supposed 2 b so as its a music theme mvie. Nargis iz beautiful bt poor at acting, bt ranveer has grown up wid his performance, awsme iz d wrd 4 him, shammi ji iz amzng 2 watch. Mvi lacks realism which wz badly needed. I give 3 out of 5 bcz of passion, rahman's music n ranveer's acting in d mvie.n guys i do have grt deal of iq. .

    DisAgree [5] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Himani, Pune

    Sun, Nov 13 2011

    Ordinary,the movie does not grip you.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • prathyash, kerela

    Sun, Nov 13 2011

    Very gud movie.Outstanding acting by ranbir. Music is simly amazing. But actress disappoints.After a long time i am watching a full length musical movie.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • raj, chennai

    Sun, Nov 13 2011

    Awesome movie..

    DisAgree [3] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Arun Noronha, Agrar/Dubai/Karkal

    Sun, Nov 13 2011

    I watched "Rockstar" yesterday and I liked it. Good story, good acting, good music and especially special appearance by the legend Shammi Kapoor. Sometimes I felt it as a slow movie but overall good effort by director. I give 8 marks out of 10 for this movie.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • syed shakil, Dubai

    Sun, Nov 13 2011

    It is happening movie, with excellent efforts from young super star Ranbir & music was like heaven, thank u AR Rahman

    DisAgree [1] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • heena, surat

    Sun, Nov 13 2011

    its nise movie. it realize us about real life trouble n pain.ranbit and nargish both r sexy..great acting..both r rockstar.. pls i m waiting for rockstar2.i m planing for watch movie 2nd time..

    DisAgree [2] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • S, Canada

    Sun, Nov 13 2011

    "the movie fails in that it doesn't really touch you. You will not find yourself pitying either Heer or Jordon. Your heart will not weep for them, nor will you rejoice in their joy. The movie goes on and on, and the ending stretches for forever. And then it suddenly ends." TOTAllY SPOT ON. Yeah the movie was worth watching for Rahman and Ranbir that was it. Nargis .. had three expressions.. a manic grin when she was being her "gandi" self, a pout when she was dying, and then a eyes squinting in anger when she was "angry". BLAH YAWN BLAH YAWN.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • himanshu, noida

    Sun, Nov 13 2011

    Nice movie I just seen this movie with my gal friend and thn relise what will happen with me when she is away from me, ranbeer plays a nice roll, music is and lyrics is heart touching lines,

    DisAgree Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • pintoo namdev, rockstar

    Sun, Nov 13 2011

    nice movie rockstar............pintoo

    DisAgree [3] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • neha, delhi

    Sun, Nov 13 2011

    this moviee was nice moviee. and osomeeeeeeeeeeeee. i like movie, ranbir acting is very very good perfamance

    DisAgree Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • salim, udupi

    Sun, Nov 13 2011

    good storyline/exelent acting by ranbeer/awesome music a.r.rahman but editing of the movie is worse,it makes you confuse.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • RP, Mangalore

    Sun, Nov 13 2011

    @Varun, Mangalore
    YOur statements show lack of IQ in you too.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • sanjeev verma, kathmandu

    Sun, Nov 13 2011

    These is awesome movie to watch,a simple with realistic view,good job to all star cast.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • shivakumar, mumbai

    Sun, Nov 13 2011

    rockstar is awesome...eah i accept nargis is not very skilled with her acting but she did a good job ...this movie throughly belong to ranbir and ar rahman sir ...music has really kept me moving through out the movie ...cinematograghy is good capturing cool skyscape of kashmir and prague...imtiaz has done good job...overall rockstar has a love, passion, music...
    my rating for this movie is 3.5/5...:)

    DisAgree [4] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Varun, Mangalore

    Sun, Nov 13 2011

    Pinky and others, you don't need IQ to watch this movie...in fact if u had any IQ you would realise that the movie has only an appearance of granduer and nothing else. The list of scenes you have mentioned - Anitha has summed it up in one sentence saying camera work and picturisation is superb. As far as passion is concerned...it is not passion but insanity. The fellow loses his initial passion for music the moment Heer appears on the scene...and from then on it is only an inane love story. If he had any real sense of love for music he would not cancel his shows left and right. It is only his failure in love that transmits into music, giving an appearance of passion. It is not love for art, but for person which is transitory. The movie is a mess.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • Naveen, Hyderabad

    Sun, Nov 13 2011

    Storyline was very much weak.Don't understand what they want show.Only thing good is AR Rehman's Music.Music is Rocking

    DisAgree [2] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Subhash, Surat

    Sat, Nov 12 2011

    Truth be told, this movie is NOT for people who go to a movie to hoot and commment and laugh. It is NOT for fans of mass commercial entertainers. It is NOT for people looking for a realistic portrayal of the rock industry with drugs, sex etc. This movie is quite simply for people who are emotional and passionate. People who watch a movie to get transported to a different world. People who appreciate and fully understand love and the impact it has on one's psyche. If you are one of those people who didn't understand the movie, well, your loss. You missed an experience.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • vicky, new delhi

    Sat, Nov 12 2011

    My opinion differs a lot from my other friend. Direction may b very good but story line was very poor. Lot of times, audience was lost whether past story is going on or present, whether ranbir is in delhi or europe.
    I coundnt understand, it was a passion for girl or music? Ranbir kapoor is shown genius in this movie, but genius people r not like that.
    overall i give 1.5 points out of 5. its not even one time watch. movie was not able to hold da interest and make the continuity.

    DisAgree [9] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Clitus Tauro, Mangalore/Doha

    Sat, Nov 12 2011

    2011...Till date I can Say Best Movie..Zindagi Na Miley Dubara....Best Director...Zindagi Na Miley Dubara....Best Story...Zindagi Na Miley Dubara...Best Song...SENORITA from Zindagi Na Miley Dubara...Best Actor...Faran Akhtar...Zindagi Na Miley Dubara...Best Cinematography...Zindagi Na Miley Dubarah....

    DisAgree [13] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • RP, Mangalore

    Sat, Nov 12 2011

    Agree with you pinky. It was good.
    "Buddivantarige matra".Moreover, all the rock stars get addicted to something, thats how they make the sound of their strings and the cry ,directly get into our nerves. In this case, he gets addicted to her love.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Gaurav, Mittal

    Sat, Nov 12 2011

    My opinion differs a lot from my other friend. Direction may b very good but story line was very poor. Lot of times, audience was lost whether past story is going on or present, whether ranbir is in delhi or europe.
    I coundnt understand, it was a passion for girl or music? Ranbir kapoor is shown genius in this movie, but genius people r not like that.
    overall i give 1.5 points out of 5. its not even one time watch. movie was not able to hold da interest and make the continuity.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • IrfanLondonI, London

    Sat, Nov 12 2011

    Really disappointed to see the movie. Ranbir and heer acting was good. I would say that the director should have seen this movie before releasing. Can't even give more than 2 out of 10. Reallyyyyyyy realyyyyyyyy disappointed. I wish I would not have wasted 3 hours

    DisAgree [6] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • pdang, Noida

    Sat, Nov 12 2011

    Please refine your choices before even attempting to criticize such a fine movie! If you expect an ALWAYS happy ending... keep watching Karan Johar's movie and stop whining around!

    DisAgree [1] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • ruchir, Mumbai

    Sat, Nov 12 2011

    Its a movie for people who can read between the lines , people who have a zeal and who can go to any extent , I agree to most of appreciating comments and would like to add that its a flick depicting a great saga of love and sacrifice(we are missing a message where a bornmero patient sacrifices her life giving comfort for his loved one at the time when he needed most) ..Its a very thoughtful and well edited movie with realistic performances and great locations ..

    DisAgree [3] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • asif, New delhi

    Sat, Nov 12 2011

    this moviee was fantabulous and i alo think this movie is not meant for ppl having less IQ they wont understand this kinda confusion thr minds r still in a babiesh condition they need to watch movies done by malika sherawat,thr is only one thng to undrstnd in those movies.....ROCKSTAR is AWESOMEEEEE

    DisAgree [1] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • yogi, Bangalore

    Sat, Nov 12 2011

    Jab we met, Love aaj kal, and now
    Rockstar. I knew Imtiaz never disappoint people.
    Don't expect as Rock On.It's a different one, new masaala with new flavour.Ranbir ne phaad daala hai.
    Yaa I agree Nargis was weak in acting but no doubt he looks hot and can alone bind the people to watch the muvi.
    I agree with Pinky 4 out of 5.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Deepak, Salem,tamilnadu

    Sat, Nov 12 2011

    The movie is superb and mind blowing for people like me who feels movies. This beats all hollywood movies like "the notebook",Atonement and all.. This is a must watch and i will rate 9.5 out of 10 on IMDB.com! superlike

    DisAgree [2] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • bhaskar, visakhapatanam

    Sat, Nov 12 2011

    movie is amazing.. i like movie, ranbir acting is very very good perfamance.. music exclent. every scene with a lot of passion. The scene where Ranbir is in bath tub with the guitar on fire, the jugal bandhi, the scene where ranbir tears the agreement, the way Ranbir is shown to go inside a shell of his own post death of the woman... everything is shown in a surreal way.. ranbir is show on the stage. iam crying to thetre , i feel my hurt touch.. very good movie..

    DisAgree [3] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Aishwarya, pune

    Sat, Nov 12 2011

    Review is correct !
    but I think the movie deserves rating 3.5/5..it wasnt that bad !
    RANBIR was goood, music was super- awesome !
    just the story (ending part)I didnt like :/
    overall- ONE TIME WATCH !

    DisAgree [1] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ranjeet, Delhi

    Sat, Nov 12 2011

    Movie is a must watch because of Ranbir Kapoor's acting.His play is wonderful.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • NL Arora, Delhi

    Sat, Nov 12 2011

    The movie is a must watch if you are a passionate human being. Not so much can be said as to make everyone understand what's going on in the movie. It becomes more like a children's story telling session, which this movie is not about. It requires one to flow with the characters and feel the emotions of the characters played. Ranbir has an incredible potential which this film has been able to uncover. From a chocolate-kid hero, he rises to become a man with this movie. I would give a perfect 10 to it and leave the fault finding to others.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [32] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sarita, Bangalore

    Sat, Nov 12 2011

    Second Pinky completely. The movie can only evoke extreme reactions - you understand and connect or you don't.

    Definitely worth my weekend time and lived up to my expectations from a director of movies like SNT and JWM.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Fan, India

    Sat, Nov 12 2011

    I agree 100% with above review. I am a fan of smart cinema (hate regressive cinema that Bollywood seems to be going towards the last few years. Rockstar had so much potential to be a GREAT movie..it's really disappointing Imitiaz Ali didn't do full justice to Ranbir's amazing acting and some powerful hard-hitting songs by AR Rahman.

    At times movie seems very rushed (doesn't take the time to expand on important turning points in the movie..like how did Ranbir become famous?..no substantial explanation for the issues between him and his family so hard to relate to his issues when you don't really know what is happening or why it's happening..and sudden change of character by Nargis in beginning when she very randomly opens up to him seems forced also..short introduction of random characters during important turning points also takes away from the impact.. 2nd half slows down a little but then randomly the movie ends on a chessy note...disjointed screenplay and weird editing make it hard to feel for the characters..movie should have focused more on ranbir's downfall and ended with a devdas-like or tere naam-like powerful ending instead of a cheesy one..plus all the powerful scenes were shown in the trailer...the trailers really raise expections for this movie to be great so I would go in with very low expectations..

    overall a very disjointed screenplay and terrible direction by Imtiaz Ali resulted in an erratic movie that had so much potential to be great

    DisAgree [12] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Abhisek, Pune

    Sat, Nov 12 2011

    Its true that its not for less IQ people like Ankita. Its a really good movie.. and can count on it.
    Ranbir Rocks..!!

    DisAgree [5] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • bella, jalandhar

    Sat, Nov 12 2011

    characters involved need to strive hard to attain full rating.
    all the best

    DisAgree [4] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Pinky, Bangalore

    Sat, Nov 12 2011

    Its an awesome movie. Watched it today. I agree its Ranbir and Rehman all the way. But the movie too packs a punch. Not for the typical masala movie audience or the less IQ people like Anitha here for instance. Its a creation by an artist and thats what is visible all throughout the 2nd half. The director seems to have created every scene with a lot of passion. The scene where Ranbir is in bath tub with the guitar on fire, the jugal bandhi, the scene where ranbir tears the agreement, the way Ranbir is shown to go inside a shell of his own post death of the woman... everything is shown in a surreal way. Definitely for people who appreciates acting, movie making, finer details. Others can watch Chammak Challo in repeat mode. I would rate 4 out of 5 for Rockstar. The 1 is reduced partly because of wrong choice of heroine and because of the elongated ending after Ranbir is shown to be crying on the stage. Was not needed.

    DisAgree [15] Agree [37] Reply Report Abuse

  • CHANDAN KUMAR, GORAKHPUR

    Sat, Nov 12 2011

    good movie, good review...thanks daijiworld.com

    DisAgree [7] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse


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