Some have loved it , few have condemned it but not many can ignore this thoughtful, meandering foray into the psyche and life of a music lover. The music and the photography are impeccable and their lyricism makes this cinema-piece like a rocking lullabye which slowly lulls you into a twilight zone of diffused emotions, flowing notes and a strange mesmeric quality.
Its a strangely individualistic journey of a man, Janardhan Jakhar who even while being a typical guy has a unique eccentricity about him that makes him a stand out in the college days and an enigma in the later days when he on the upward rainbow climb to stardom. Its in the famed Stephens-Hindu (pillars of Delhi University) arcades where the camaraderie of Jordan and Heer develops that even they are not aware will become a romance that will define their each breathing moment for the rest of their short lives.
The narrative flits restlessly but pointedly between various locations, be it Kashmir where Heer is getting married, or Prague where after marriage she moves to with her husband or time and again to Delhi where amongst the seedy and throbbing by-lanes of Old Delhi a kinship grows between the two. the first half is dominated by playful, naughty and adventurous interactions of the lead pair where they vow to "gand machate hain’(paint the town dirty, if you please)
.There are many enjoyable viewing moments here where they visit the night clubs, watch soft porn and gorge on desi daroo. There is lot of friendship here and a bit of craziness where they slowly realise that they both respond to the same stimuli in life. The connection of a lifetime, the seeds of being soul mates are laid during this phase of their life and the film.
While the separation is inevitable its also an interesting crossroad in their life where Ranbeer starts to discover himself as an artist. At long last he feels genuinely emotionally torn and in him is born the anguish and the craving of unrequited love. The graph and move, craftily managed by music producers gives him the international exposure and brings him to Prague in the second half.
Post interval, the fire is reignited in the quaint Europe where the essentially free spirit of Ranbeer the musician finds a bohemian, free wheeling outlet at every street corner. This phase of the movie is especially beautifully captured in its soul and essence and shows the peak of romantic ecstasy the hero will ever feel again. The ethical dilemma of loving a married woman is dealt with more from the woman’s angle and is fairly dealt with. the film quickly moves into sentimental territory with the heroine being diagnosed with terminal illness with only a few months to live.
Shernaz Patel as Heer’s mom reconciles to giving her daughter final few days with the rebellious and notorious Jordan since his proximity seems to breathe new life into her skeletal daughter.
The climax of the movie, to many viewers has seemed abrupt but honestly, in my opinion there could have been NO OTHER ENDING. Its poetic and sensitive and very very justified keeping in tune with the ethereal and almost spiritual connection that Jordan and Heer share in the movie.
The spiritual undertone is apparent in the entire film with the homeless Jordan finding solace and finally musical salvation through the Dargah stay . Shammi Kapoor his mentor discovers his latent genius here and promotes him to rockstardom.
The editing is patchy and confusing at times and a attention deficit viewer might lose track of the film. But if one is engrossed in the delicate and psychological tale like I was, its hard to miss the beautiful relationship build up.
How I wish Nargis Fakhri had some acting experience! Her role is so crucial and almost equal in footage. She is the inspiration, the muse behind the glorious music and she falters badly in the acting department. One negative point for the film is definitely the choice of the heroine. She however manages to leave her mark in the last half due to the frailty she displays and required as a terminally ill patient.
But its Ranbeer who shines like the King of the Galaxy in this complexed, nuanced role. He is such a fine actor! His good looks dont distract from his impeccable performance and he single handedly carries the film through to a self destructive ending. His eyes brim with emotion, pathos, fire and he breathes life into the role till HE BECOMES JORDAN AND JORDAN BECOMES THE ROCKSTAR.
AR Rehman is such an asset and a delight . He is in full form in this venture where he uses his eclectic mastery of music to give a profound score that seamlessly merges with the emotional outflows. Good to hear and beautiful when picturised on screen in tandem with the story
The dialogues and supporting cast are all able in their departments.
Mohit Chauhan as the voice behind THE rockstar takes him to new heights of creative performance. Bravura.
The costumes are textured and very interesting. Ranbeer’s getup with his harem pants and turbans sizzle the screen.
The ending with the angelic Nargis walking upto Ranbeer for the final goodbye is symbolic as she dies a mortal death but lives on in the heart and psyche of the OBSESSIVE ROCKSTAR.
Recommended watching for creative, out of the box thinking audience.
Its a flawed film at times but formless and fluid like a mighty river.
WATCH IT.