Sequels are inevitably at the mercy of their predecessors. Rock On 2 cannot avoid comparisons to its highly popular original in 2008. But in all fairness it shouldn’t be judged in the light of the previous musical. Because Rock On 2 is a decent effort. Only its pitch perfect performances truly deserved a better script. Sadly, the story lacks the thump of Rock On!!
Director Shujaat Saudagar and writer Pubali Chaudhari choose to follow a formula with their new film, which just doesn’t do justice to the film’s ambition. The story here is about Magik, the rock band from the original movie, trying to revive itself. While key members Adi (Farhan Akhtar), Joe (Arjun Rampal) and KD (Purab Kohli) have moved on to different walks in life, their friendship keeps them together. Eventually, their run-in with new musicians Jiah (Shraddha Kapoor) and Uday (Shashank Arora) compel them to get back to making music. Even though Purab Kohli’s KD narrates the story and Farhan’s Adi occupies the wealth of the screen time, this story is about Jiah and her journey of realising her dreams.
But the script doesn’t work out its priorities. There’s little focus on the father-daughter relationship between Jiah and Pandit Sharma (Kumud Mishra). The sentimental stance of portraying Meghalaya and its poor citizens robs the impact of drama. Yet, the conflict of strained relationships is the best part of the film. The separation scene between Prachi Desai’s Sakshi and Farhan’s Adi, is sublime. The friction between Jiah and her father is authentic as well. The magic of friendship and the camaraderie between Adi, Joe and KD is easy and natural. But the mature emotions of Rock On 2 are served with a heavy dose of sentimental drama, which distracts rather than impress.
Like in the original film, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy’s music plays a key part in the experience of Rock On 2. Every situation in the film is bridged or resolved with the songs. The music of Rock On 2 is not SEL’s best but it is unique and within the context of the film blends well. Songs like Manzar naya, Woh jahan and Tere mere dil add melody to the film.
Rock On 2 does drag at certain points but the film has all the right ideas. Better still are the performances. Farhan Akhtar and Shraddha Kapoor sing reasonably well but they act to perfection. Farhan’s underplayed performance rocks you, there are moments when the tremble in his hands can give you gooseflesh. Shraddha gets the pitch of her fragile character right as well. She looks beautiful and has given one of her best performances ever. Arjun Rampal is impressive in his moments as well. The performances save it from the limitations of its writing and execution. Rock On 2 is nevertheless a bittersweet symphony.
