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Rock On 2 movie review: Why the Farhan Akhtar film is better than its prequel

Farhan Akhtar returns as rockstar Aditya Shroff in this high-octane sequel to his 2008 film Rock On. It has its flaws but overall, Rock On 2 is a thoughtful watch

After casting a magical spell over the cine-goers eight years ago, Farhan Akhtar is back as rockstar Aditya Shroff in the sequel to Rock On!!. Directed by Shujaat Saudagar, Rock On 2 returns with almost the same cast as the prequel, plus Shraddha Kapoor and Shashank Arora making their presence felt in a high-octane film.

So, the story continues with Aditya Shroff (Akhtar) who packs his bags for Meghalaya to do some soul searching after a disturbing incident. While his Magik band member Joe (Arjun Rampal) is now rich and an owner of a club in Mumbai. On the other hand, KD’s (Purab Kohli) love for music is intact and is longing for a reunion with his pals.

Farhan Akhtar, Shraddha Kapoor (Courtesy: Instagram | TeamShraddhaCafe)

The good:
Like the prequel, Rock On 2 is also quite inspirational. Farhan Akhtar & Co do justice to their roles as music maniacs. However, it would have been better if Shraddha Kapoor and Prachi Desai were given ample screen space to justify their presence in the flick. Nevertheless, simplicity and some great music are hallmarks of this film.

The film tries to talk about many things. It asks the viewers to find that ‘other’ part of them which asks to live. We might or might not be earning the livelihood out of our hobbies. And Rock On 2 tells us that it’s fine as long as you don’t alienate yourself from that one thing which makes you feel happy. So the band magik in the film once again gathers the tunes of their music.

Rock On 2
(Courtesy: Instagram)

Makers, for good, didn’t try to infuse unnecessary romance in the film. They have shown complicity in relationships whether it’s between friends or a couple, which seem genuine enough to absorb. Magik reunites to help a few underprivileged against the odds of the bureaucracy.

The bad:
The film has its flaws too. The plot becomes a bit clumsy and drags on, due to which, you might lose interest midway. Jiah Sharma (Shraddha) is a girl cocooned in herself and her music. However, the passion for music in her seems missing. Her character in the film is limited to just being an aspiring singer who shares a troubled relationship with her father. It would have been better if Shraddha Kapoor and Prachi Desai were given ample screen space to justify their presence in the flick.

The background locations of north-east India are stunning to say the least, but the usage of such beautiful locations in the film is restricted. Maybe showing Farhan in an outdoor location reading, writing, composing could have contributed better than him sitting in his cottage amid candles and taking rest. The music of Rock On 2 is fine, but one expects more from a Rock On franchise.

Final words:
The film might force you to rethink about your life goals. Clumsy narrative but a thoughtful watch. It is a good bet to soothe yourself this weekend.