I just finished watching Rockstar a while back. Yet again.
I think it is clearly one of those cult movies which I can watch over and over again. And still not get bored. Every time I watch it, there is a different angle I end up appreciating. I watched it for the very first time in a movie theater. It’s a simple love story but so powerfully rendered that it left a deep impact for the next few days. The portrayal of Jordan (Ranbir Kapoor) is so impinging that you end up wondering if it’s really Ranbir’s alter ego. He truly got into the skin of the character. A simple middle class boy gets transformed into a world famous rock-star and does not even realize when or how it happens. His simplicity is what wins you over. There are so many occasions when you feel like reaching out to the screen, just to touch him and convince yourself that this guy is real. I have not seen a more engrossing role play before. This is definitely a first for Indian cinema.
Jordan is shown as a naïve guy who wants to get heartbroken just so that he will be pushed towards pain and be encouraged to compose good music. He doesn’t even put as much as a second thought to it and just goes with the flow. In the process, he ends up befriending Heer (Nargis Fakhri) in a very platonic sense. You can clearly feel this is a relationship that is ethereal and will transcend their lifetime.
Over time, and without either of them actually realizing it consciously, they fall in love. But the real beauty is in the way their love is depicted. Heer first feels for Jordan at the time of her wedding. She spends time with him in doing things that she truly enjoys, and in the process gets real close (and comfortable) with him. It culminates in a simple, yet powerful scene where she asks him to hug her.
On the other hand, Jordan’s love is felt in his desperate pleas to be taken to Prague to meet Heer. Now here’s a guy who probably doesn’t even know what he’ll do once he sees her, but is dementedly keen on landing in Prague, even if it be at the cost of his career. He can sign any contract, fight any number of people and basically do every thing un-imaginable, to be with Heer.
To a non-believer in love, this story may seem unrealistic. How could a woman suffering from a rare disease (non-formation of blood cells) be temporarily cured through love? Especially when the supposedly superior health care system of Europe has failed to heal her? But thats where the passion of love lies. Maybe Jordan had already accepted the fact about Heer’s impending death. Despite that, he is still hoping against hope, trying to extract the maximum possible moments out of her life.
I don’t know whom to classify as the true ‘Rockstar’ in this movie. But if I’m pushed against the wall to give an answer, it will have to be Imtiaz Ali. It is remarkable how he has managed to extract such brilliant performances from Jordan and Heer. It definitely helped to have a newcomer (Nargis) play Heer’s part as there was little chance of her overshadowing the more powerful Jordan. The camera angles focusing on Ranbir’s expressions, his extraordinary portrayal of pain and helplessness at reclaiming his lost love, are commendable. Editing is the other hallmark of the movie. Imtiaz has maintained a slick pace otherwise synonymous with thriller movies. This is one love story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, while tugging strongly at your heart at the same time.
True to it’s name, music of the movie is another strong point. I’ve drained my iPod’s battery listening to the tracks in repeat mode but I still refuse to give up. The various stages of pain are depicted in differing measures though the soundtrack. From the helpless, instrumental version Dichotomy Of Fame – to the deeply rebellious Jo Bhi Main – to the aggressive and hurt Sadda Haq. The apogee comes in Nadaan Parinde, summing up pretty much the soul of Jordan’s love story with Heer. AR Rahman aptly displays why he is the true Mozart of Indian cinema. Each and every track is soulfully written by Irshad Kamil, perfectly sung (either by Mohit Chauhan or by Rahman himself) and music is impeccably arranged with not even one tone out of sync.
There are very few movies that leave a lasting impact beyond the weekend. For me, Rockstar is one that touched my soul. And it didn’t waste any time to reach there. It may have had an unfortunate or sad ending to the layman, but I truly wish this is the way a real love story should end.