Director : Shujaat Saudagar
Music : Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Lyrics : Javed Akhtar
Starring : Farhan Akhtar, Arjun Rampal, Shraddha Kapoor, Prachi Desai, Purab Kohli and Shashank Arora
A film based on rock music does garner good expectations and considering that ROCK ON!! 2 is a sequel to the iconic film, ROCK ON!!, which turned out to be surprise success (both commercially , critically and musically ) the scenario gets even more exciting. The ever dependable composer trio, Shankar-Ehsan-Loy are once again in-charge of handling the musical department along with legendary lyricist, Javed Akhtar
The song which has the potential to turn anthemic for music lovers, ‘Jaago‘, carries the spirit of ROCK ON ahead. A complete rock based track that serves as a wake- up call inspiring all to follow their hearts is rendered with emotions by class actor Farhan Akhtar with Siddharth Mahadevan pitching in, in the chorus.
Shraddha Kapoor who has already showcased her vocal prowess in her previous ventures like ASHIQUI 2 and EK VILLAIN, gets to render a motivational but difficult track, ‘Udja Re‘ which she does with elan. A superb fusion of soft rock and Hindustani (the alaaps are classy and add the desi touch), S-E-L choose a nice, flowing tune with a lovely crescendo and thought provoking lyrics which are the highlights of the track.
Continuing in the spirit of ‘Jaane Kyon‘ (DIL CHAHTA HAI), ‘Agar Mein Kahoon‘ (LAKSHYA) and ‘Pichle Saat Dino Mein’ (ROCK ON), is the light, entertaining ‘You Know What I Mean’. Farhan renders the propositioning number in a easy conversational manner quite like how one will propose their beloved. In fact Farhan is too natural here and identifiable as well. Lyrics too are in sync and so are the light frothy musical arrangements.
‘Manzar Naya‘ is once again in the S-E-L comfort zone, the kind of soft and soothing love ballads that one associates the trio. But one just wished for a more accomplished singer (a professional like Mohd. Irfan or even Arijit).
Shraddha renders ‘Tere Mere Dil‘ which is a situational track that once again questions hearts and its longings and wishes to complete the love story of the protagonists. A narrative track that aids the proceedings and provides a peak into the love story.
‘Woh Jahan‘ sees Shraddha back where she inspires for an utopian world where there is no heartbreaks, no tears and no misery with Farhan joining Sharddha in search for that world where there is just love and happiness. A lovely number that should translate well on screen. Kudos for some lovely lyrics.
The North East hilly flavour (Meghalaya) is brought to light through ‘Hoi Kiw/Chalo Chalo‘ which is an excellent fusion of folk music and rock. Another inspirational rock based track that inspires to go for the right and not to bow down to difficulties. The use of hilly music, local Meghalaya language (Khasi) and use of their local rock band Summersalt (Kit Shangpliang and Pynsuklin render the number with zeal) along with ageless Usha Uthup all makes for an excellent track.
The playlist comes to an end with ‘Ishq Mastana‘ which is a sufi based ‘qawwali‘ number although this is the first time that SEL choose a heard before tune in this album and so they can be forgiven. The fusion of soft rock and Hindustani (tabla, dholak etc) and use of Kabir dohas in the track lifts the otherwise average track. Shankar Mahadevan renders the number in his familiar well-loved style.
Summing up, the audio of ROCK ON!! 2 will be loved by those who possess even a basic knowledge about music (not necessarily rock), and the album not only fulfils expectations but surpasses it. SEL deliver and after the MIRZYA debacle, where their classy music went unnoticed, one hopes that ROCK ON!! 2 would find its patrons (just like ROCK ON!!) and prove to be the highlight of the movie which releases all over on 11th November.
source: glamsham