Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Rocket Singh - A Film Review

This film review did not come sooner because one's thoughts at the end of the film were very personal. The review comes now because one read that not many people are getting into the theaters to see the film. Word of mouth is now necessary.

Films are about story telling. For people like me, the existence of a "story" is critical to the existence of a film. So when a film comes along that really has a story, and a gripping one at that, told well and crisply, with no added songs for masala and no cosmetic love interest with little to do (the love interest still looks super cute though), one is quite impressed.
Though Shimit Amin has done the hugely popular Chak De India, i m more impressed with this script, because it is not overly simplistic.

Ranbir Singh, oops Kapoor, gets into the role so completely that you forget the actor and remember only the character. Sure, the casting is right, but that's still no mean feat for an actor.
Notable Mention must be made of Prem Chopra. As Ranbir's grandfather, he has a screen presence that is impossible to miss. You come away thinking of his character as much as the lead actor's character. When one sees these superlative actors on screen, one realises the meaning of "well simmered. mellow yet strong." They are a treat.

I will not go into the story, because that will spoil the surprise for the average viewer. But if you have drudged to that SME office, day after day, if you remember your first job, and if you have gone to office parties, you will identify with the film at some level. You will want to relive all that through Rocket Singh (no, the character is not actually called Rocket Singh, nor is he a super salesman. Thats the surprise element of the film.)

The editing is relative. Most places, the tightness of the film delights, and at other times, one wishes the editor had prevailed a bit more on the director. But one thing on which the film has got it all right, is the Art Direction. Not one wrong set, not one wrong color.. if you have ever been in such an office, you will know the setting rightaway. The big offices, the small offices, the houses, the outdoor locations.. everything! It was a pleasure to see no more dream sequences. :-)

In short, go watch the film. In a theater. This film is sooo worth it.

13 comments:

BlueMist said...

Totally. I loved the movie. The beauty of it is in the simplicity of the movie.

rishi anand said...

My recommendation is go watch Avatar and if possible in 3D screen. The best hollywood movie i have watched so far.

Aradhna said...

I agree with everything except the editing part.
Editor has just not done a good job.
Still the movie is a delight.

BK Chowla, said...

Rocket is a very nice, clean, straight line movie without any vulgarity.
A must see.

Saadia said...

I did plan on watching Rocket Singh, for none other than Ranbir. I think he and Neil are the best among the new lot.

So I was saying, I did plan on watching this movie but I was waiting for the DVD; for the cinema, I prefer powerful movies (like 2012???). But do you still think it deserves a ticket?

The Phosgene Kid said...

Happy Christmas to you all!! Hope you have a wonderful love filled New Year!!!

Onkar said...

After reading your review, I feel like watching the movie at the earliest.

Neha said...

I so wanted to watch this movie, but I guess, its already off the theatres :( Movies these days do not last even a fortnight!

Anonymous said...

Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!

How do we know said...

Hi Bluemist: agree....

Hi freak writing: Avatar... will give it a shot...

Hi Chiya: i kind of agree..

Chowla sir: Yes. am glad u liked it..

Hi Saadia: I wld recommend the theater for it yet.. except that ab to utar gayi theaters se, so am not sure u can catch it there..

Hi Phos: Had a FANTASTIC NEW YEAR... how was urs?

Onkar sir: Dekhi?

Hi N: Agree :-(

Hi Anonymous: Thank you.

Id it is said...

I recently watched the Bollywood movie "Three Idiots"... I was confused...

Happy New Year to you :)

Prabhakar Lal said...

Looking forward to watching it soon.

These days reviews by media look to be syndicated and co-ordinated effort. All of them talk almost similar things in their reviews.

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