Movie Review: Rockstar ****

In 2009, Imtiaz Ali released 'Love Aaj Kal' after the grand success of his earlier film 'Jab We Met' and divided viewers into a) those who loved its sentiments and simplicity and b) those who wondered what the heck the movie was about.

Enter 2011 and he's back with Rockstar, another movie that's bound to do the same with viewers across the nation. So let me be clear where I stand here : This is a 'must watch' movie for so many reasons.

1. For starters, this isn't a story about the life of a Rockstar... rather, it's the story of a naive young guy( Ranbir ) who wants to be one and is led ( correctly ? ) to believe that the key to becoming great is through pain/ heartbreak.
His efforts towards breaking his heart deliberately leads him towards Heer ( Nargis Fakhri ), but things take an unexpected turn when they actually become friends. This sequence has some of the funniest moments of the movie. It also leads him on the path to a destiny he desired - though the path is more painful than he ever imagined.

2. Their moments together are magical by any standards of Bollywood : whether it is while fulfilling her wishlist of being a 'bad girl', the drives across a breathtaking Kashmir landscape or even their silent moments beside each other.
The constant confusion of the characters about the status of their relationship is actually a refreshing sight in a Hindi movies - it's how relations are in real life.

3. Imtiaz Ali intentionally keeps jumping back and forward, across many timelines - but it isn't confusing.  Cinematography was excellent - be it Kashmir or Prague.

4. The late Shammi Kapoor has all of 5 scenes... but they're bittersweet, especially the moments between him and Ranbir.

5. I liked a couple of songs when I first heard the album. But as weeks passed by, I found myself loving a couple more songs, then a few more and so on. It was lovely, because it was the A R Rahman of old - songs which grow on you, unlike Pritam's songs which you know are an instant hit/flop. Rahman has outdone himself here, sticking to a lovely blend of retro rock, some amazing guitar work and Mohit Chauhan's amazing voice. The second half of the film literally turns into a musical as the songs are a constant feature in the background. Personal favourites - Saadda Haq and Tum Ho.

6. Ranbir Kapoor has outdone himself, performance wise. Note the naive boy at the starting who wanted to feel pain and then, much later, the tearful superstar begging his mentor to save him from the pain - I doubt if any of the other young guns could have pulled off this role. I can think of a couple of Khans who'd overdo it, too.
Nargis is wonderful as the fiery spirit who is unsure of herself. I liked her characterisation, though I do have a few complaints with the person who dubbed her voice.

7. This is a film that focuses exclusively on these 2 characters. The others... well, it's like watching people at the train station while you're on a moving train. You register their presence, but they're gone before you can focus on them. Still, everyone played their role well.  

8. Where I can see people pointing out flaws : the characters constant confusion of their feelings, the non-linear method of story telling and the slightly ambiguous ending. For all 3 flaws, the answer remains the same - It just shows the confidence of a director who doesn't feel the need to spoonfeed his audience anymore.
And I appreciate that.

I feel you should definitely watch this movie. Tell me what you think after watching it.