Jamia Journal Independent Student-run News Website of Jamia Millia Islamia (a Central University)
Starring: Ranbir Kapoor and Nargis Fakhri
Director: Imtiaz Ali
Music: A.R. Rahman
Jamia Journal Rating: *** (3/5)
In my opinion, there are only two reasons why anyone should watch the movie Rockstar; and they are: the songs of the movie, and Nargis Fakhri.
And then there is only one reason why anyone should not watch the movie Rockstar; and that reason is: Ranbir Kapoor.
Whatever good Nargis Fakhri added to the movie, Ranbir Kapoor made sure he neutralized it with his god awful acting skills.
Neither did I find the character he played to be any good. There were moments when I could not tell who I disliked more, the character or the actor playing the character.
And then there is the concept of the movie itself.
Bollywood has a real problem with coming up with something of its own. Something original; something novel.
India, as far as I know, does not have rockstars with a fanatic fan following. And here I’m referring to actual music rockstars, and not celebrities from the entertainment world.
The worship of rockstars as demigods is a very western societal phenomenon. There is no equivalent in the Indian context as far as I know. And I guess that’s why “Jordan,” the protagonist played by Ranbir Kapoor, had to spend so much of his time in Europe performing in front of stadium-filled screaming fans; and oddly enough, in Hindi to a European audience.
The saving grace, however, are the songs to the movie and Nargis Fakhri.
The movie has some of the best songs I’ve heard this year. The song “Hawa Hawa” is my favorite, but sadly, the song has no link to the plot of the movie. I mention this fact because that was one of the major reasons for me to watch the movie in the first place. I wanted to see how the awesome lyrics of the song were related to the movie. But as I said, the song has no relation to the story whatsoever.
AR Rahman with his great music, Mohit Chauhan with his amazing voice and Irshad Kamil with his super lyrics, have come together to give us some of the most outstanding songs to the movie.
And last but not least; the other saving grace is Nargis Fakhri. Her’s is a face to die for. I swear to God!
But she is not all looks. Even though this is Nargis Fakhri’s first movie, she has done an outstanding job as an actor. She is a better actor than Ranbir Kapoor that’s for sure.
In conclusion, the movie is apparently a tragic love story that also gives you an insight into the life of a larger than life Indian rockstar; an entity which is as fictional as the character that tried to represent it.
Go for it if you have the time and money to spare.
so you actually want to imply that it is no worthwhile to watch this flick?
I’ve told you what I found to be good and bad in the movie. It’s for you to decide whether it is worth your time. Personally, I don’t think you’ll be missing much if you didn’t watch it. But as the rating of the movie suggests, it’s not bad. You can certainly go for it. But don’t expect to be blown away by it.
I have read two reviews of the movie Rockstar: one on Jamia Journal and second on Indian Express. Both of them are contradictory in judging Ranbir Kapoor. You say, “…only one reason why anyone should not watch the movie Rockstar; and that reason is: Ranbir Kapoor”, while the other paper says that, “the actor is better than the film. ‘Rockstar’ disappoints; Ranbir doesn’t.” (http://www.indianexpress.com/news/rockstar/874500/)
Now both the reviewers may argue that its is what they felt and it is their personal opinion. The points are taken. But it is also well known that the peace of published article makes public opinion and fetch people to the cinema hall.
I, myself, should go to see the movie to come to some understanding.
Wow. I cant believe you actually gave this 3/5?! I was guessing something like a 1/5 or 2/5. But I guess you’re just too big of an A.R. Rahman fanboy. Haha!