Rock on 2 (2016) User Reviews

Magik is back without soul (Music)

[prafullasrivastav · 5/10 · 12 November 2016]

Debutant director Shujaat Saudagar highly disappointed in forced sequel of Highly appreciated Musical drama film Rock On. For this genre, Music is soul like previous one but here Shankar Ehsaan Loy were totally failed to impress. Script has nothing good to offer and sometimes seems to be an ad for Meghalaya Tourism. There were average performances from lead actors but Shraddha Kapoor 's role added more misery in the drama.Kumud Mishra was good in supporting role.

Final words: Just avoid this crap sequel and you can enjoy Rock On!! at home with family while enjoying Instant popcorn and Hot Coffee.

Verdict: Flop

Rock Off! ♦ Grade D+

[nairtejas · 4/10 · 12 November 2016]

Sequels are the shiz right now, but they rarely are as good as the originals as this musical social drama testifies.

The rock band Magik do not produce music anymore, but the members are still in touch. Jo (Arjun Rampal) and KD (Purab Kohli) are in Mumbai doing their stuff while Aditya (Farhan Akhtar) is in Meghalaya, away from his family and music in general, trying to introspect about his past life. Following an eventful episode at his place of work in the NE state, Aditya is coaxed by his friends and family to return to Mumbai. It is then that he and others meet Jiah (Shraddha Kapoor), a talented musician with father problems and a horrendous past, the latter of which is back to haunt Magik...

While that synopsis above may sound interesting, I can assure you it isn't. The story resumes from where the first film ended. After the death of Rob, Magik continue to create music for a while after which they dismantle, the reason for which is what is explored in the first half. It uses the same formula as the first film wherein there's a past event which troubles Aditya and other members and how the passion for music helps them bounce back. Same old, same old!

It is evident that the film was made to bank in on the first film's roaring success. So much that even the sequences are recreated variations; albeit in different contexts, but still the same. In Rock On!! (2008), Aditya's wife is the one who makes the reunion of Magik possible, and here, too, she is seen in her sentimental wifey avatar doing what she does. But, the biggest problem with the film is that it deviates from the musical genre and tries to become a loud social drama. Magik try to use the power of music to help spread a social message and raise funds and all that comes with it. The plot even tries to mix these topics together, but the result is hollow as a dead tree's bark. Throw in a petty villain to this mixture, and you have the perfect recipe, thought the makers.

Cast performance is good, but Kapoor looks out of place here, with her snobby air. The characters mostly engage in irritating its audience. And that affects the whole flow of the film and the watching experience.

It's basically a sad story which explores one too many topics and fails. It's a lazy attempt with a climax full of clichés and improbable situations. So much problems with this concoction that one might just watch the first film once again and forget they even made a sequel. "Rock On!!" was delightfully brilliant: it had romance, comedy, drama, and mostly, good music. This one lacks all of them, unless you consider melodrama as an interesting element.

BOTTOM LINE: Shujaat Saudagar's "Rock On 2" is a lazy gimmick which was obviously made to make the world know that the makers care about the adverse lives of people in the world. As a musical, this one fails, though. Watch it on TV.

Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YES

An unsuccessful attempt to merge the previous version with the new direction and story

[ankitcom · 5/10 · 12 November 2016]

An unsuccessful attempt to merge the previous version with the new direction and story. Bad acting, worse script and even worse direction. When you see the film you realize Shankar Ehsaan Loy have done a good job (if not great, of course) with the music. It's easily visible that the makers were not ready with the right ingredients for this sequel. This movie shouldn't have been made (from a die hard Rock On fan).

Storyline Rating: 2 Content: 2 Commercialization: 3 Entertainment: 2

Acting Rating: 2 Farhan Akhtar: 2 Purab Kohli: 3 Shraddha Kapoor: 2 Arjun Rampal: 1 Shashank Arora: 2

Direction Rating: 1

Music Rating: 3

Cinematography: 3

Editing: 1

A guitar with no strings.

[oazam · 5/10 · 11 November 2016]

This is what Farhan and Ritesh thought they were making

1) A film with political riots and heavy metal being the reason. 2) Using the elements from the prequel in a mediocre way. 3) Music that will ruin every rock star's dream.

And you get Rock On 2

The first looks by its teaser and trailer just didn't match my expectations. Shujaat Saudagar has potential of being a good director but his aesthetic shots were sloppy. The performances in the movie were average. The only weakling in the acting department was Arjun Rampal. His performance was kinda like a drug addict taking therapeutic sessions at a rehabilitation center. The story and screenplay was absolutely terrible in such a way that the movie didn't make any sense whatsoever. Very clueless I was. Shankar- Ehsaan-Loy, whyyyy??? Absolutely horrifying music which made the movie's flow haphazard. Abhishek Kapoor in my opinion has brought some mentality from his previous failed venture which was Fitoor.

Overall, please don't waste your money this weekend. If you are really craving a musical film, go to the video store and pick up a Blu-ray of the prequel of this movie or Dil Toh Pagal Hai. This movie is recommended for people who want to sleep.

2/5- Bad dream for Indian Rockstars

So awful that I had to walk out of the theater.

[vidhyutgadia · 1/10 · 12 November 2016]

First up I was very excited to watch this film, it being a sequel to my favorite Bollywood film. But believe me it is so BAD that it would me an absolute insult comparing it with it predecessor. Shitty dialogues, illogical story line, no music (at all).Acting wise, it really didn't matter, because the story itself is so pathetic. Personally, I felt extremely insulted because of the way the story goes. It makes people look like they are a bunch of dumb wits because it is such an unbelievably nonsensical piece of crap. I still have no clue why there was a sequel made of such an amazing film. Ironically I always wanted to write a positive review on the first part because it was such a good film(never got around doing that), but here I am writing an entirely opposite review for it's sequel. It totally screwed up the first part for me as well.

Rock on 2 fails to create the magic as a Sequel!

[shivambhaleraoo · 1/10 · 12 November 2016]

Review -

Being a huge fan of Rock On I was too excited to watch the sequel! But it was huge disappointing one. No songs were there like part I & also a Poor story.

Story -

All 3 members of 'Magik band' have left the band due to an accident and they get busy with their lives, Farhan (Adi) shifts to North side village to help the villagers, Purab (KD) is still going with the band with new talents owning a studio & Arjun (Joe) plays music at Night clubs, Events & is a reality show judge. The trio meets at Farhans place for his birthday & decides to reunite forgetting the accident! Also the village goes under fire & vanishes all efforts of Farhan which forces him to leave village and return to Mumbai. Then Farhan meets Shaddha (Jiah) in journey & all discover that she's also the part of that accident happened years ago!

Rahul a singer & musician youth tries to catch-up with Farhan and band, but fails to do so. Because of ignorance of band and also his father who's a Big Musician, he commits suicide. This never lets the band to reunite again.

Farhan moves to village again, tries to settle down the conditions there but the govt. Doesn't help. To release funds for village from govt. 'Magik band' reunites for a Concert! With some ups & downs the band makes the concert a Huge Success for village! And all continue to their passion to music. That's it!

a musical journey

[abhinesh-sethumadhav-879-657598 · 6/10 · 11 November 2016]

Rockon 2 could have been more musical and should have included more classics from rockon 1 like 'sinbadh the sailor'. The movie included a couple of new desi-rock numbers. The story beings when Farhan Akhtar reaches out to help a farmers in north east. He is on a self excile vindicated by his bad karma that leads to the death of a budding singer. The plot goes on and reunites with his friends and restarts the musical troop. The flow is okay and the story interconnects well.

Felt the camera work is better in RockOn 1. Prachi Desai was underutilized and could have been given more frames to the movie. This could be due to the introduction of Shraddha Kapoor.

Overall movie has tried to keep-up the expectations to be more musical. They could have included more classical rock numbers.

Mock on of its prequel

[dineshprakash · 2/10 · 10 November 2016]

Again this film is just made to encash its prequel success. Story is sometimes very idle and sometimes confusing. Screenplay is so convenient. Flashes of a person committing suicide in starting few minutes just for induce curiosity but soon it becomes lame. You just guess the incident going to happen till interval point. This suicide track is main reason of choosing to shift in secluded village of Shillong, by male lead Adi, due to extra dose of self guilt but when character of that suicide committing person is revealed, you don't feel any sympathy towards him which makes main lead idiotic for making such dramatic decision. He is a family loving guy but does not care to live separate from them. Screenplay takes 45 minutes to make main lead back to Mumbai in his music world and reason behind this was fire broken in forest which effects poor local's life badly. You just have to bear this 45 minutes with male lead birthday reunion with family and old friends with some lengthy emotional dialogues but sadly you don't feel the emotions. A local villain was introduced there like a trading middleman but turns a strong connection Politician after interval because he has to be main obstacle for pre climax. There was unnecessary track of new heroine which badly sidelines the first one and fails to justify herself too. You laugh on pre climax fight which must have included to enhance drama. Then long climax tests your patience, which you were already lost till then. This film was supposed to have at least few good music number but here that is missing completely. Shriek in name of singing is there. Performance wise all are just OK. A character Manjyot, played by Dinesh Kumar, he is better than all established ones. He ably entertains in every frame.

Rock On 2 rocks. The music is certainly the backdrop of the film, but what rules the film is the concept that music needs to be set free for it to flow freely.

[binducherungath · 7/10 · 12 November 2016]

Rock On 2, a musical drama film, by Shujaat Saudagar connects Music to Life. Although the backdrop of the film is music and the comraderies amongst the Magik band members / friends, the film does spread its wings to much larger horizons. The film does reiterate the fact that music has tremendous power – the power to connect hearts, the power to heal the wounded souls, the power to deal with inner conflicts, the power to break the barriers across genres, the power to unite people across various regions / demographics, and the power to grow beyond one's self-interest / personal gains to think of the broader social context / cause etc. Rock on 2 is a sequel to 2008 film 'Rock on' and it certainly has its own moments.

The film is narrated by KD (Purab Kohli), who explains what happens to the three key members / friends of 'Magik' Band and where they are now after a period of almost eight years. Adi (Farhan Akhtar) is away from the hustle-bustle of Mumbai City and settled in Meghalaya. Adi is involved in tea plantation there, as well as he helps the villagers in making their own livelihood, runs a farmers' cooperative and a school for the children. Adi is very much loved by the villagers. Joe (Arjun Rampal) is a Judge for Music based Reality Show and he also is a partner of a posh club. KD earns his livelihood from music compositions and is hopeful of Magik getting together again. Although all three chose separate paths and designed their own course of lives, they shared a wonderful comradery amongst them. One does get clue that 'Magik' no longer perform together. It seems, some unpleasant event made them chart their own lives away from Magik. They all get together for Adi's birthday along with Sakhsi (Prachi Desai) and Debbie (Shahana). The geographical distance has certainly affected Adi and Sakshi's (couple) marriage. Adi does not succumb to his friends' and Sakshi's plea to return to Mumbai, Music and Magik, he really is very much skeptical.

Jiah (Shraddha Kapoor), Udai (Shashank Arora, Titli fame), and Pandit Bibuthi (Kumud Mishra) form an integral part of the story. Although Jiah herself is facing inner conflicts, she becomes instrumental in bringing Magik together to perform and recreating the magic of music.

What makes Adi move to distant lands of Meghalaya from Mumbai, Music and Magik? What challenges are faced by Adi in his social work? Which aspect of the past troubles him and apparently keeps him away from Magik and Music ? How Jiah and Udai become part of the thread of Rock On 2? When and how do the Magik band get together and perform ? How does the magic of music heal the wounded souls? Farhan as Adi is certainly able to depict Adi's gloom, pain, frustrations, need for redemption etc. in an intense manner. Arjun as Joe is able to bring out his practical approach towards life in a much matured manner. Purab as KD makes the narrative flow and also brings out very well his priority to be a bridge in friendship. Prachi as Sakshi and Shahana as Debbie have less screen time but they certainly facilitate the story to move ahead. Shraddha as Jiah, a musician and bohemian traveller is very good. Her face does depict the pain and anger. Shashank Arora as Udai does make his presence felt. Kumud Mishra as Pandit Bibhuti is a man of less words in the film and one can feel the pain of his character - a veteran musician's frustrations, pain of loss and as a purist his denying the fusion music.

In spite of using the music as the backdrop of the film, what rules the film is the concept that music needs to be set free for it to flow freely. Music can create wonders by uniting people. The film does talk about how a veteran who has mastered and worshipped Classical music may feel that contemporary music is absolutely out of place and just full of noise. This mismatch between Frames of Reference and Territory can give births to tragedies in life.

There is a beautiful scene where Usha Uthup along with Kit Shangpliang and Pynsuklin Syiemiong from Summersalt Band come together to sing "Hoi Kie /Chalo Chalo" which depicts the tremendous power of music and the magic it can create. The film also talks about how one needs to move on and make 'self' free from the shackles of past / self-blame and look within for powers. Another powerful scene where Shdraddha Kapoor steals the show is Jiah's conversation with her father.

The cinematography by Marc Koninckx is excellent, mMeghalayan landscapes are beautifully captured.

Rock On 2 rocks. In spite of using the music as the backdrop of the film, what rules the film is the concept that music needs to be set free for it to flow freely. The film does spread its wings to much broader horizons using the tremendous power attached to music. Indeed, every generation finds its own voice. Watch the film for its intense performances.

Cheezy

[patrick_pugh2000 · 2/10 · 20 November 2016]

"This movie is lame – totally" my lil daughter in her heavily accented, peer induced valspeak would say when there's a movie she doesn't like. This movie isn't an exception. The storyline is cheezy from the word Go. After the Gangnam style success of its prequel, the 2 version is not even close to " pen pineapple". Of course trying to dilute Indian rock music, with its familiar 5 note piano ballad preludes and mediocre guitar riffs that repeat monotonously bar after bar, like a young child experimenting on a new sampler into something even unfamiliar for the Indian masses broca- like the Khasi folk fusion, is an experiment filled with rash risks. Farhan preferred to piggy back on that suicide note instead.

This is nothing more than a Pen Pineapple formula gone wrong. Save the celluloid for something worthwhile. Pay more for quality story writing.

MAGIK reunites magically!

[maulin5 · 9/10 · 11 November 2016]

After watching not so convincing trailer of the second part of the superhit film of the year 2008- Rock On!, many were saying that this film will not be good. After music launch, the listeners started complaining that songs were not so good. Many Rock On movie lovers lost interest in this one. And above this, the problem of currency is also going on. That's why, Rock On 2 releases today with a very poor opening.

Story starts with the individual situations of three persons from the musical group- Magik. Aditya lives alone in Shilong as he was trying to get out from the one thing that he did wrong to someone. Joe is a reality show judge as well as a bar owner. And KD owns his music room. Jiya (Shradhha) enters in the frame in a dramatic way. And then the story begins to change. How the group reunites and stands to help the people of Shilong and how Adi can forgive himself for that thing which was related to Jiya, too and how Jiya fights her own battles are the questions to be answered till the ending of the film.

Farhan Akhtar gives a powerful performance in an intense character, not in a negative way. But, I would like to cheer him for his wonderful dialogues. Those are awesome. Arjun and Purab suit perfectly to their roles. Kumd Mishra gives an impact-full performance as Jiya's father. Shashank has not to do much. There are two boys, one who plays Jiya's brother and the other who plays Manjeet are perfect. But, above all, Shradhha is here, giving her career best performance, in both the ways- like acting and singing.

People who are saying that music is not good, are the ones who likes only songs containing words like Daru, DJ & Party! Or may be, the ones who never went for any musical concert of Hindi songs. I mean, look at all of the songs one by one. There is not a single song which is bad. Shankar, Ehsaan & Loy have created the best music for the film and its situations. And in which, Javed Akhtar's meaningful lyrics applies some magical touch. Jaago song was shot superbly. The flashback song of marriage is also contains fun like the previous installment had. Shradhha's songs are heart-touching for sure. And above these, I can't describe the songs from the concert!

Yes, in the end, I guess for 20-25 minutes, one concert has been displayed on screen. I was tapping my foot in the whole sequence. I just loved the song Wo Jahaan. Magik once again creates magical experience for me.

Critics and people, who don't understand music and musical groups, I want to ask you to please don't give negative reviews if you don't understand. If you are a fan of Rock On, than you must go and watch this despite any negative review. They are writing so because of their illness. I suggest them to test their taste! Believe me, it's a complete theater experience should not have to be missed! As a music and Rock On lover, I don't find anything boring or over dramatic. It's just a competitor to the previous one.

In the end, I'm concluding with such a beautiful lines from this film- Wo Jahaan, Koi Dukh Ho Na Ho Koi Gum, Wo Jahaan, Palkein Na Ho Num... Dilon Mein Ho Na Deewarein, Na Duriyaan, Wo Jahaan, Purey Ho Armaan...

Why in bollywood a Singer not play a role of a singer.

[ashurvin · 1/10 · 7 June 2019]

Bollywood please learn from hollywood. In their movie they use a real singer. And Shraddha Kapoor you are worst as a singer. In your life people ask you to sing is doesn't mean you sing well they are your fan or friends. Even alia bhatt sing better than you. please take a true opinion to a singer who can speak truth in front of you.

Rock On 2

[ahwaan_padhee · 5/10 · 13 December 2016]

Directed by Shujaat Saudagar, Rock On 2 chronicles the journey of the estranged music band Magik after 5 years where the prequel had left it.Here , the friends – Adi,Joe and KD( respectively played by Farhan,Arjun Rampal and Purab Kohli) who are busy with their individual lives, unite for a purpose and with the inclusion of new talents – Jia(Shraddha Kapoor) and Uday(Shashank Arora).

Unlike Rock On,which blended music so seamlessly into the film's emotional fabric , the sequel doesn't quite recreate the 'magik' of its original.Saudagar's approach appears labored and the narrative is saddled with plot contrivances that you can guess from a mile.The film's bright spots lie with the assuring camaraderie with the Magik men, even though they have transformed into more mature,sullen and mellowed versions from their impulsive selves' with the lapse of time.The visuals of the Meghalayan landscape is stunning and juxtaposing Shillong as the rock capital is a righteous endeavor.

The films tracks have nothing great to rave about and the emotional core seldom connects with our hearts.But to give the credits where its due,its the earnest performances of the actors – Farhan,Arjun and Purab that makes you stay invested with it.

Rating 2.5/5

A movie with Anti Hindu agenda.

[loungebrain · 1/10 · 4 February 2020]

You pick up some jobless and struggling actors to act in such movies like Kumud mishra playing character of a classical Music Guru Pandit Vibhuti who in personal life has zero knowledge of Pandits and the classical music.

Movie is a one sided dailogue to demean Hindu culture and values.

Its very Bad written and random stuff like Superman coming to Farhan and Farhan kicks his balls with the help of Arjun druggist.

An Inspiring Sequel

[anantaima · 10/10 · 11 November 2016]

I totally loved the film. All actors have acted brilliantly. It has been shot in the beautiful backdrop of Meghalaya. They have brought a different and a very interesting plot to this sequel.

It is a thought provoking journey of friends who are band members of MAGIC. Life is now different for Aditya, KD and Zoe. A great social service angle has also been shown. Please do watch the first film before this one. Music is decent and the songs go well with the film. It is not only a musical journey. As a viewer one tends to feel lively. Company of our loved ones and at the same time chasing our passions in life has been portrayed beautifully.

hidden depth

[vivek_rocks · 9/10 · 12 July 2017]

like all great things its not easy to find them not are they transparently apparent if u carefully listen to the lyrics of the songs played and incorporate this not just as a song but as a part of the story you will find this depth and it is deep like this song wo jahaan *spoiler* 1. rahul writes this song (1/2 of it) in which he wishes to find a world without despair and hate only love. 2. jiah (shraddha kapoor) asks adi to complete the song 3. people of Shillong are in despair and without hope 4. adi completes the song saying the place you wish for (rahul) is here if we removes hate and greed

all this story is not there unless u really understand the song. my 2 cents

Go and watch this movie!!

[madhur0089 · 10/10 · 13 November 2016]

Music, cinematography, acting and script all are good. Shankar Ehsaan Loy does justice to music. Hoi Kiw song is nectar for ears and the best song of movie. I don't why Jaago song is promoted so much as this is the only average track of movie!! Farhan Akhtar acting is amazing as usual!! The film has shown Meghalaya and their last concert happens over there which is awesome!! 2nd half of the movie is much better than 1st half!!

It is just not that perfect as Rock on 1. Direction and dialogues of movie could have been little bit more better. But overall it's good movie and definitely worth a watch. It deserves at least 7.5 rating but I have given 10 to improve it's overall rating for the genuine efforts made for the movie!! Rock on!!

Totally enjoyed Movie

[jerolineedward · 10/10 · 12 November 2016]

I generally don't see Hindi movies much as i don't enjoy much and i have not seen rock on 1, but yesterday went to see Rock on 2 as friend insisted and I would say it was Completely Entertaining. I enjoyed the movie from beginning till end and really enjoyed and I will see this movie again as its not one time watch for me. After watching movie it reminded of young passionate, enthusiastic young singer of school and college day and i really liked Shashank Arora, Rahul, Purab and Jiah character . Really enjoyed Shillong scenes. I am fond of rock music and really like all the music and specially like the last music featuring Jiah.I will rate movie 10+ because i totally enjoyed movie .

Awesome movie

[happycolours · 10/10 · 11 November 2016]

Rock on was a amazing movie...i loved the first rock on and Rock on 2 was a great movie...Farhan Akhtar was super...i don't want to spoil the movie but all I will say the movie is really good...the only thing I will say is i would had preferred better songs...i mean songs were good but I wanted it a bit more heart felt...i would had given it 9 and a half...i couldn't due to no half number rating...and it's well deserved 10/10 also...will watch it again...the whole actors performed really well...i liked purab kohli's acting to...

Comparison to rock on...i like both equally...sequels in movies do work well if they are made well like rock on sequels...guys you will like this movie better than shivaay and ae dil hai mushkil so go for it...I'm definitely a farhan Akhtar fan than Salman Khan or Ajay Devgn...rock on guys...xxx

Not used shrdada much..

[kknkn-20823 · 10/10 · 4 September 2018]

Why they not used shrdada much...but film can watch one time....