Coach Carter: 2005

Controversy surrounds high school basketball coach Ken Carter after he benches his entire team for breaking their academic contract with him.

In 1999, Ken Carter, a successful sporting goods store owner, accepts the job of basketball coach for his old high school in a poor area of Richmond, CA, where he was a champion athlete. As much dismayed by the poor attitudes of his players as well as their dismal play performance, Carter sets about to change both. He immediately imposes a strict regime typified in written contracts that include stipulations for respectful behavior, a dress code and good grades as requisites to being allowed to participate. The initial resistance from the boys is soon dispelled as the team under Carter's tutelage becomes a undefeated competitor in the games.

However, when the overconfident team's behavior begins to stray and Carter learns that too many players are doing poorly in class, he takes immediate action. To the outrage of the team, the school and the community, Carter cancels all team activities and locks the court until the team shows acceptable academic improvement. In the ensuing debate, Carter fights to keep his methods, determined to show the boys that they need to rely on more than sports for their futures and eventually finds he has affected them more profoundly than he ever expected. 

What happens in Vegas

Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher star as strangers who wake up a married couple after a crazy night in Las Vegas in director Tom Vaughn's (STARTER FOR 10) feature film. Joy (Diaz) is the type of woman who makes plans to make plans. She's expecting a marriage proposal, but her live-in boyfriend, Mason (Jason Sudeikis), has other ideas. When he dumps her, Joy heads to Vegas to forget her troubles with her friend Tipper (Lake Bell) and discovers her fun, spontaneous side. Unfortunately, she also wakes up with recently unemployed Jack (Kutcher) as her husband. The two quickly decide to divorce, but the plot thickens when Jack wins a $3 million slot jackpot using Joy's quarter. Since neither one of them wants to give up the cash, they each try to drive the other to file for divorce and give up the bounty. But love has a funny way of appearing when you least expect it, and in acting their worst, Joy and Jack actually bring out the best in each other. Diaz and Kutcher have nice onscreen chemistry and make a very photogenic couple. Treat Williams stars as Jack's difficult-to-please father, while Rob Corddry is Jack's best friend, Hater. Queen Latifah and Dennis Miller appear briefly as a marriage counselor and divorce court judge, respectively. The Vegas scenes are flashy and fun--just like Sin City--and the settings for the New York City scenes differentiate nicely between Joy's organized, structured life and Jack's less serious, happy-go-lucky attitude.

Go see the movie for Cameron atleast - it's worth it... I loved the movie all through...

Lyrics of the songs from the soundtrack of "Rock On"

This is for all of you who have been unsuccessfully trying to source the lyrics of Rock On in one location.

Song Title: Socha Hai

Aasma Hai Neela Kyun,
Paani Geela Geela Kyun Gol Kyun Hai Zameen
Silk Mein Hai Narmi Kyun
Aag Mein Hai Garmi Kyun,
Dho Aur Dho Paanch Kyun Nahi
Phedd Ho Gaye Kum Kyun,
Theen Hain Ye Mausam Kyun
Chaand Dho Kyun Nahi
Duniya Mein Hai Jungle Kyun
Behta Laal Rang Kyun,
Sarhaden Hain Kyun Har Kahin
Socha Hai... Yeh Tumne Kya Kabhi
Socha Hai... Ki Hain Yeh Kya Sabhi
Socha Hai... Socha Nahi Tho Socho Abhi...
Behthi Kyun Hai Har Nadhi,
Hothi Kya Hai Roshni
Barf Girthi Hai Kyun
Dhost Kyun Hain Rootuhte
Thaare Kyun Hain Toot The,
Baadhalon Mein Bijli Hai Kyun
Socha Hai... Yeh Tumne Kya Kabhi
Socha Hai... Ki Hain Yeh Kya Sabhi
Socha Hai... Socha Nahi Tho Socho Abhi...
Sannata Sunai Nahin Detha,
Aur Hawayen Dhikhayi Nahin Dethi
Socha Hai Kya Kabhi,
Hota Hai Yeh Kyun............

Aasma Hai Neela Kyun,
Paani Geela Geela Kyun Gol Kyun Hai Zameen
Silk Mein Hai Narmi Kyun
Aag Mein Hai Garmi Kyun,
Dho Aur Dho Paanch Kyun Nahi
Phedd Ho Gaye Kum Kyun,
Theen Hain Ye Mausam Kyun
Chaand Dho Kyun Nahi
Dhuniya Mein Hai Jungle Kyun
Behta Laal Rang Kyun,
Sarhaden Hain Kyun Har Kahin
Socha Hai... Yeh Tumne Kya Kabhi
Socha Hai... Ki Hain Yeh Kya Sabhi
Socha Hai... Socha Nahi Tho Socho Abhi...

Socha Hai... Yeh Tumne Kya Kabhi
Socha Hai... Ki Hain Yeh Kya Sabhi
Socha Hai... Socha Nahi Tho Socho Abhiiiiiiiii...eeeee ooooopppppppsssssaaaa



Song Title: Pichhle Saat Dino Mein

Meri Laundry Ka Ek Bill,
Ek Aadhi Padi Novel
Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na Na Na…
Ek Ladki Ka Phone Number,
Mere Kaam Ka Ek Paper
Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na Na Na…
Mere Taash Se Heart Ka King,
Mera Ek Chandi Ka Ring
Pichhle Saat Dino Mein Maine Khoya
Kabhi Khud Pe Hansa Main Aur Kabhi Khud Pe Roya

Na Na Na Na Na …
Na Na Na Na Na …
Na Na Na Na Na …
Na Na Na Na Na ….
Present Mili Ek Ghadi,
Pyaari Thi Mujhe Badi
Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na Na Na…
Meri Jean Ka Ek Packet,
Meri Denim Ki Jacket
Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na Na Na…
Dho One-Day Match Ke Passes,
Mere Naye Naye Sunglasses
Pichhle Saat Dino Mein Maine Khoya
Kabhi Khud Pe Hansa Main,
Aur Kabhi Khud Pe...Roya

Kaise Bhuloon Saatva Jo Din Aaya
Kisi Ne Tumse Ek Party Mein Milwaaya
Kaisa Pal Tha Jis Pal Maine Tumko Pehli Baar Dekha Tha......
Hum Jo Mile Pehli Baar Maine Jaana.. Kya Hai Pyaar
Maine Hosh Bhi Khoya Dil Bhi Khoya
Kabhi Khud Pe Hansa Main,
Aur Kabhi Khud Pe Roya

Na Na Na Na Na…
Na Na Na Na Na…
Na Na Na Na Na…
Na Na Na Na Na…

Maine Pichhle Saat Dino Mein Ye Sab Hai, Khoyahhhh


Song Title: Rock On

Dil Kya Kehta Hai Mera Kya Main Bathaun
Tum Ye Samjhoge Shayad Main Pagal Hoon

Dil Kya Kehta Hai Mera Kya Main Bataun
Tum Ye Samjhoge Shayad Main Pagal Hoon
Dil Karta Hai Tv Tower Pe Main Chad Jaun
Chilla Chilla Ke Main Ye Sabse Kehdun
Rock On… Hai Ye Waqt Ka Eshaara
Rock On… Har Lamha Pukaaraaaha
Rock On… Yuhin Dekhta Hai Kya Tu
Rock On… Zindagi Millegi Na Dobaara...

Dil Karta Hai Sadkon Par Zor Se GaUn
Sab Apne Apne Ghar Ki Khidki KholeY
Phir Main Aise Jhosheelay GeetH Sunaun
Mere Geethon Ko Sunke Sab Ye Boley
Rock On… Hai Ye Waqt Ka Eshaara
Rock On… Har Lamha Pukaaraaaha
Rock On… Yuhin Dekhta Hai Kya Tu
Rock On… Zindagi Millegi Na DobaaraaahAaa...
Jaise Jeene Ko Dil Chahey Jhee Waise Tu..
Meri Tho Hai Bas Ye Raayeh Ki
Apne Jitne Bhi Armaa Hain Poorey Karley Tu...

Rock On… Hai Ye Waqt Ka Eshaara
Rock On… Har Lamha Pukaaraaaha
Rock On… Yuhin Dekhta Hai Kya Tu
Rock On… Zindagi Millegi Na Dobaaraa...
Rock On… Hai Ye Waqt Ka Ishaara
Rock On… Har Lamha Pukaaraaaha
Rock On… Yuhin Dekhta Hai Kya Tu
Rock On… Zindagi Millegi Na DobaaraaAAaaaaaHHhh...

Song Title: Ye Tumhari Meri Baatein

Yeh Tumhari Meri Bhaathein,
Hamesha Yuhin... Chalthi Rahe..
Yeh Hamari Mulakhateh,
Hamesha Yuhin... Chalthi Rahe..
Bheethe Yuhin Apne Saare
Din Raaathhhhhhhh
Baathon Se Nikalthi Rahe
Nayi Baaathhhhhhhh
Phir Wahin Baathein Leke
Geeth Koi... Hum Likhe..
Jho Dil Kho Haan Sab Ke Dil Kho..Chu Le..
Baathein Suron Mein Yuhin Pighalti Rahen..
Baathein Geethon Mein Yuhin Dalthi Rahen..

Geethon Mein Haan Humko..
Khusiyon Se Hum Saja De
Jho Sune Ghaaye Woh Hum Se Ghaaoon Na

Yeh Tumhari Meri Baathein,
Hamesha Yuhin... Chalthi Rahe..
Yeh Hamari Mulakathe,
Hamesha Yuhin... Chalthi Rahe..
Bheethe Yuhin Apne Saare
Din Raaathhhhhh
Baathon Se Nikalthi Rahe
Nayi Baaathhhhhh
Phir Wahin Baathein Leke
Geeth Koi... Hum Likhe..
Jho Dil Kho Haan Sab Ke Dil Kho.. Chu Le..
Baathein Suron Mein Yuhin Pighalthi Rahen..
Baathein Geethon Mein Yuhin Dalthi Rahen..



Song Title: Zehreelay Zehreelay

1 2 3 4...

Ghaas Mein Hai Thinke Jitne
Regthe Hain Saamp Uthne
Kya Bathaoon Hai Yeh Kitne
Saamp Hi Saamp Hai Yahan Wahan
Jag Mein Saamp Basthe Hai..
Sabko Saamp Das The Hai..
Baitte Kundli Maar Ke..
Saamp Bhankaare..
Saamp Hai Bhankaarte..ooooooooooooo
Zehreelay Zehreelay..
Kaale Neele Peele..
Pathar Ki Hai Aankhein..
Danth Hai Nukeelay..

Duniya Saampon Ka Ban Hai..
Chehra Sab Ka Jaise Phan Hai..
Baitte Kundli Maar Ke..
Saamp Bhankaare..
Saamp Hai Bhankaarte..oooooooooo
Zehreelay Zehreelay..
Kaale Neele Peele..
Pathar Ki Hai Aankhein..
Danth Hai Nukeelay..

Jag Mein Saamp Baste Hai..
Sabko Saamp Das The Hai..
Baitte Kundli Maar Ke..
Saamp Bhankaare..
Saamp Hai Bhankaarte.. OOOO..
Zehreelay Zehreelay..,
Kaale Neele Peele..
Pathar Ki Hai Aankhein..,
Danth Hai Nukeelay..
Zehreelay Zehreelay,
Kaale Neele Peele..
Pathar Ki Hai Aankhein..,
Danth Hai Nukeelayyyeeeeee.....yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeehhhhh




Song Title: Tum ho Tho

Tum Ho Tho Ghaata Hai Dil,
Tum Nahin Tho Geeth Kahan..
Tum Ho ThoO Hai Sab Haasil,
Tum Nahin Tho Kya Hai Yahaaan..
Tum Ho Tho Hai Sapno Ke Jaisa Haseen Ek SamaAAaaaa...
Jho Tum Ho Tho Ye Lagta Hai Ke Mil Gayi.. Har Khushi
Jho Tum Na Ho Ye Lagta Hai Ke Har Khushi.. Mein Hai Kami
Tumko Hai Maangthi,.
Yeh ZindageeeEEEeeeeeeeeee....

o oh o oh o o o o oh.....
o oh o oh o o o o oh.....
o oh o oh o o o o oh.....

Tum ho Tho (Ho Tho)
Raahey Bhi Hai (Raahey Bhi Hai),
Tum Nahi (O Tum Nahi)
Tho Rasthey Kahan..(Kahaaan)
Tum Ho THo (Tum Ho THo)
YahaN Sab he Hai,
Tum Nahi Tho Koin Yahaan.. (Koin Yahan)
Tum Ho Tho Hai Har Ek Pal mey Rukhi Yeh Jahaan...
Jho Tum Ho Tho Hawa Mei Bhi Mohobathoin Ka Rang Hai,
Jho Tum Na Ho Tho Phir koye Na Josh Na Oomang Hai..
Tum Miley Tho Milee..
Yeh ZindageeeEEEeeeeeeeeee....


Song Title: Sindbad The Sailor

Sinbad The Sailor Ek Jahaaz Mein Jab Chala
Mere Yaar Sunlo Sunlo
Dhoondh Raha Tha Ek Naye Duniya Ka Patha
Mere Yaar Sunlo Sunlo
OOO Anjaane Raahon Mein Tha.. O oh,
Ooo Lehron Ki Baahon Mein Tha.. O oh..
Sab Ne Kaha Tha In Samandharon Mein Jaana Nahin
Mere Yaar Sunlo Sunlo
Khwaabon Ke Peeche Jaake Kuch Bhi Hai Bhana Nahin
Mere Yaar Sunlo Sunlo
OOO.. Apni Hi Dhun Mein Raha.. O oh..,
OOO.. Sunthatha Dil Ka Kahaan O oh..
Us Ke The Jho Sapne Wohin Us Ke The Apne,
Aisa Tha Sindbad The Sailor Sailor
Us Ke The Jho Sapne Wohin Us Ke The Apne,
Aisa Tha Sindbad The Sailor Sailor

Us Ka Jahaaz Ghira Thufano Mein,
Mere Yaar Sunlo Sunlo
Phir Bhi Na Aayi Kandhi Us Ke Armaano Mein
Mere Yaar Sunlo Sunlo
Woh Deewana Aisa Hi Tha O oh
OOO.. Sapno Ka Humrahi Tha O oh..hh
Us Ke The Jho Sapne Wohin Us Ke The Apne,
Aisa Tha Sindbad The Sailor Sailor
Us Ke The Jho Sapne Wohin Us Ke The Apne,
Aisa Tha Sindbad The Sailor Sailor

OOO.. Kuch Paane Ki Chaah Mein.. O oh..,
OOO.. Badtha Rahan Raahon Mein O oh..
Gehra Samundhar Tha Oonchi Oonchi Lehren
Mere Yaar Sunlo Sunlo
Kasthi Hai Chindhey ki Mushkil Se Teyheyre
Mere Yaar Sunlo Sunlo
OOO Saahil Thak Aa Hi Gaya O oh..,
OOO Mazil Kho Paa Hi Gaya O oh..
Us Ke The Jho Sapne Wohin Us Ke The Apne,
Aisa Tha Sindbad The Sailor Sailor
Us Ke The Jho Sapne Wohin Us Ke The Apne,
Aisa Tha Sindbad The Sailor Sailor
Tum Ho Tho Ghaata Hai Dil,
Tum Nahin Tho Geeth Kahan..
Tum Ho ThoO Hai Sab Haasil,
Tum Nahin Tho Kya Hai Yahaaan..
Tum Ho Tho Hai Sapno Ke Jaisa Haseen Ek SamaAAaaaa...
Jho Tum Ho Tho Ye Lagta Hai Ke Mil Gayi.. Har Khushi
Jho Tum Na Ho Ye Lagta Hai Ke Har Khushi.. Mein Hai Kami
Tumko Hai Maangthi. Yeh ZindageeeEEEeeeeeeeeee....

o oh o oh o o o o oh.....
o oh o oh o o o o oh.....
o oh o oh o o o o oh.....
o oh o oh o o o o oh.....




Song Title: Live Version Pichhle Saat Dino

Hello Everyone
Helloo Everyonee
Are YOu Having a good time
I said are you having a good timeeee
all right Is agley Gane ke Liye I need ur Help
Kya Aap Mere Saath Gayeingeh
Will U Join Me
All Right Then Everyone

Let Me See More Hands Up In The Air
Come On Get them Together

Ab Aap Sab Mere Saath Gayeye
1 2 3 4
Na Na Na Na Na …
Na Na Na Na Na …
(Na Na Na Na Na …
Na Na Na Na Na …)
Come On
(Na Na Na Na Na …)
Louderrhh
(Na Na Na Na Na …
Na Na Na Na Na …)
(Na Na Na Na Na …
Na Na Na Na Na …)
Here We go
(Na Na Na Na Na …
Na Na Na Na Na …)
Ab Aap Gayiyi Jub Mera Haath uuper Karu

(Na Na Na Na Na …
Na Na Na Na Na …)

(Na Na Na Na Na …)

Meri Laundry Ka Ek Bill,
Ek Aadhi Padi Novel
(Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na Na Na…)
Ek Ladki Ka Phone Number,
Mere Kaam Ka Ek Paper
(Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na Na Na…)
Mere Taash Se Heart Ka King,
Mera Ek Chandi Ka Ring
Pichhle Saat Dino Mein Maine Khoya
Kabhi Khud Pe Hansa Main Aur Kabhi Khud Pe Roya

Meri Laundry Ka Ek Bill,
Ek Aadhi Padi Novel
(Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na Na Na…)
Ek Ladki Ka Phone Number,
Mere Kaam Ka Ek Paper
(Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na Na Na…)
Mere Taash Se Heart Ka King,
Mera Ek Chandi Ka Ring
Pichhle Saat Dino Mein Maine Khoya
Kabhi Khud Pe Hansa Main Aur Kabhi Khud Pe Roya

(Na Na Na Na Na …
Na Na Na Na Na …
Na Na Na Na Na …
Na Na Na Na Na ….)

Present Mili Ek Ghadi,
Pyaari Thi Mujhe Badi
(Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na Na Na…)

Meri Jean Ka Ek Packet,
Meri Denim Ki Jacket
(Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na Na Na…)

Dho One-Day Match Ke Passes,
Mere Naye Naye Sunglasses
Pichhle Saat Dino Mein Maine Khoya
Kabhi Khud Pe Hansa Main,
Aur Kabhi Khud Pe...Roya

(Na Na Na Na Na …
Na Na Na Na Na …
Na Na Na Na Na …
Na Na Na Na Na ….)

Kaise Bhuloon Saatva Jo Din Aaya
Kisi Ne Tumse Ek Party Mein Milwaaya
Kaisa Pal Tha Jis Pal Maine Tumko Pehli Baar Dekha Tha......
Hum Jo Mile Pehli Baar Maine Jaana.. Kya Hai Pyaar
Maine Hosh Bhi Khoya Dil Bhi Khoya
Kabhi Khud Pe Hansa Main,
Aur Kabhi Khud Pe Roya
Maine Pichhle Saat Dino Mein Ye Sab Hai, Khoyah

Put Ur Hands Together

Meri Laundry Ka Ek Bill,
Ek Aadhi Padi Novel
(Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na Na Na…)
Ek Ladki Ka Phone Number,
Mere Kaam Ka Ek Paperrrr
(Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na Na Na…)
(Meri Laundry Ka Ek Bill,
Ek Aadhi Padi Novel)
Na Na Na Na Na …
Na Na Na Na Na……
(Ek Ladki Ka Phone Number,
Mere Kaam Ka Ek Paper)
Na Na Na Na Na …
Na Na Na Na Na…
Hum Jo Mile Pehli Baar Maine Jaana.. Kya Hai Pyaar
Maine Hosh Bhi Khoya Dil Bhi Khoya
Kabhi Khud Pe Hansa Main,
Aur Kabhi Khud Pe Royahhhh


Song Title: Phir Dekhiye

Aankhon Mein Jis Ke
Koye Tho Khwaaab Hai
Khush hai Wahin Jho
Thoda Bethaab Hai
Zindagi.. Mein Koye,
Arzooo.. Kijiye
Phir Dekhiye ……

Hoton Pe JisKe
Koye Tho Geeeth Hai
Woh Haare Bhi Tho UsKi Hi Jeeet Hai
Dil Mein Jho.. Geet Hai,
Gun Guna.. Lejiye
Phir Dekhiye……

Yaadon Mein JisKe
Kisi Ka Naaam Hai
SapnoKe Jaise
UsKi Har Shaaam Hai
Khoi Tho.. Ho jis Se Apna Dil.. Dhijiye
Phir Dekhiye…
Khwab ghunnn.. Yeh Zara
Geeth Sunnn.. Yeh Zara
Phool Chunnn.. Yeh Zara...
Phir Dekhiye…

Source: http://bollywoodlyris.blogspot.com/search/label/Rock%20On

Rock On - The Music

I personally love the soundtrack of the film and I just might land up buying a second copy of the album as my first copy is now with my brother who’s sitting in Hong Kong… the reason for buying the second copy - I WANT THE LYRICS man!!! I definitely do not want figure out the lyrics the old way - by listening to the songs again and again - hate doing that. People may think I’m crazy but while enroute to Mysore (from Bangalore) with journalists who had come down from London I landed up listening to the entire album about 9times (four times while going there and five times on our return).

I love the way the CD begins with ‘Socha Hai’ opening with the pulsating electrifying guitar creating rhythm. Before looking at the inlay card with the credits, I wondered who the singer could be - loved the freshness that this crooning voice brought in. Before you think that this lad is some “Reality Talent Show” singer discovered recently, let me tell you that while his singing prowess came out with this movie, he has been around for a long time. The singer is Director / Producer turned Actor and Singer - Farhan Akhtar. He croons with excellence and I won’t be surprised if he has been a part of a rock band while in school or college.

Then comes one of my favourite tracks in the album - ‘Pichle Saath Dino Mein’ also sung by Farhaan. Ehsaan Noorani does well with the guitar to give Farhan’s voice the right amount of pump and energy. Ever since I heard the track I’ve been humming ‘Nana na na Nana’ and I won’t be surprised if you do too after listening to this one.

The title track ‘Rock On!’ comes in next. Love the tune of this free-spirited rock number speaking of life at one glance. Life doesn’t always give you a second chance, but if it does, grab it!!! I won’t be surprised if this track becomes the chant of youngistan.

After Rock On comes Dominique Cerejo with ‘Yeh Tumhari Meri Baatein’ - a track that impresses from the very beginning. After listening to this track once, I am sure you would definitely want to listen to it again and again.

After these brilliant slow rock tracks comes ‘Zehreelay’ - a track that only someone like Abhishek Kapoor would dare explore. Imagine a psychedelic realm in Hindi. It could only be Suraj who could sing something like this. After all, he has been a rock singer all his life and currently is the lead singer for Dream Out Loud.

‘Tum Ho Toh’ brings in Farhan once again for a soft rock enchanting experience. With intensely romantic lyrics, this track is one you must listen to whenever you think about your better half.
After this, I wasn’t sure if I heard correctly, “Sinbad the sailor jahaaz me jab chala…” - I wondered what Sinbad was doing here suddenly - ‘Sinbad the Sailor’ is someone we read about during our school days and here in a movie that talks about a rock band you suddenly have Farhan telling (or shall I say singing) you story you read many years ago. Raman Mahadevan blends in well with Farhan - though I am not sure which part of the song he’s singing. This too is one of my favourite pieces in the album.

While I personally did not like the tune of ‘Phir Dekhiye’, the lyrics and Caralisa’s vocal chords drew me to it.

The soundtrack of ‘Rock On!’ turns out to be a complete rocking experience and my favourite composers, S-E-L ensure that this album lives up to the expectations they have laid down and also to the film. Loved the lyrics written by Javed Akhtar all through.

Having worked with a music company in the past, I would like to tell you what the Rock On team tells you in the end - “Don’t download the music, go buy your own CD”. Trust me friends - the investment is Worth it! I am also waiting for the DVD to launch - will definitely pick that up too.

Rock On

This review has been taken straight from timesofindia.com:

Rock On traverses the simple ‘spirit of winning’ path that is usually followed by films of the sports genre like Chak De India , Goal or for that matter the director of this film, Abhishek Kapoor’s previous attempt Aryan. The plot outline is obvious for this variety. There’s a committed individual or a team who can’t make it big for the first time. Life gives a second chance and this time is the phase to prove credentials. What matters in such endeavours is the conviction in direction to connect with the audience. Rock On scores on that level.

Four friends share a common passion for music and form a rock band called Magik. Aditya (Farhan Akhtar) is the lead vocalist, Joe (Arjun Rampal) is the guitarist, KD (Purab Kohli) is the drummer and Rob (Luke Kenny) handles the keyboard. They get a chance to cut out an album but things don’t work out and the group splits to go their separate ways.

A decade later Aditya’s wife Sakshi (Prachi Desai) attempts to reunite the group. After some initial hiccups and ego clashes, the band members bond and blend to brew good tunes. Predictably the climax is set in a rock concert where the band performs to perfection.

Despite such patented predictability, one still relates to Rock On . You noticeably know that Arjun Rampal would make a late entry in the climax concert but your heart still goes out on his appearance. You aren’t surprised when one of the band members is diagnosed of cancer but you still feel for him. That’s because the simplicity and sincerity of the direction and performances touch you.

The storytelling is somewhat slow and drags in the preliminary portions. The film gets into frequent flashback episodes and at times you are caught unaware on the instance where it ends. Even the back-story takes a tad bit long to reach to the point where the band disperses. Unimaginatively the screenplay uses the same scheme of a rock concert for its first key plot-point and also the climax. But seemingly that was inevitable since the genre of the film restricts its creative scope. Also Farhan Akhtar’s breakup with his girlfriend doesn’t come across quite convincingly.

On the upside, the musical theme of the film is ably supported by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy’s rocking score. For once you don’t feel that songs are forced in a Bollywood film. There’s also a splendid spoof on how the band merges rock with dandiya to gain some quick money. How one wishes the film had more of such lighter moments which would have accentuated the youthful appeal to Dil Chahta Hai extents. The director also manages to pull off a subtle satire on Anu Malik, while casting him at his own expense.

Rock On seems to be clearly designed by Farhan Akhar as his own acting debut and he doesn’t let himself down. Lending voice to all his songs helps him to get into his character with effortless ease. One could certainly overlook the lisp in his dialogue delivery. Arjun Rampal looks mature in his character but isn’t quite credible while handling the guitar. Purab Kohli has a natural flair for comedy and Luke Kenny is persuasive in his role. From the female leads Shahana Goswami as Arjun’s wife comes up with the most compelling act and adds some depth to the drama. Prachi Desai justifies her poised presence.

It’s interesting how director Abhishek Kapoor attempts to make commercial entertainers on subjects that are not much prevalent in our country. His last film Aryan was on boxing, a sport not much popular in India and now he tries his hands on rock culture, which again isn’t much recognized here. At least this time he succeeds in creating a realistic rock feel.

Rock On strikes a chord on that note.

Source: http://movies.indiatimes.com/moviereview/3419954.cms

Dream Out Loud: Human Race

The below is my review of this brilliant album "Human Race" released by Dream Out Loud.

You must check this album out - the lead singer of this band, Suraj Jagan - is someone I met while I worked at Milestone Entertainment, where his indiPop career didn't take off due to various reasons (mainly shortage of funds to promote his music, instead of spending the money on albums that were not meant to be) even though I personally loved his music. Even after I quit Milestone four and a half years later, we guys have been in touch continuously and while his indipop career didn't take off - here's his latest work - he and a couple of other talented guys came together and have formed a band called - Dream Out Loud - I saw them perform a long time back - early 2006 - and since then I've been pestering Suraj that he needs to get the music out to the world - to release a CD of it and I'm personally very happy that the band has finally got their album out!

When I first saw the video on of Human Beings on Facebook, I liked it (even though it was a bit too dark for the Indian market)... but I loved the music even more (though till date I never did love the screaming and the noise in songs), but this was different! When I saw the next video , It's Raining Now, on Facebook, I knew I had to buy the album!!! Did you ever want ideal music to curl up on your couch under a blanket and drift away? Listen to the sound of the falling rain, there was no other way, I could wait another day... to get a hold of the album. After initial unsuccessful attempts at buying the album from the more popular music shops I decided to call Suraj and ask him where I could buy the album from - and that's how I got in touch with Music Yogi (http://www.musicyogi.com/), here in Bangalore.

Human Race has a good mix of rock music ranging from slow, soft rock to funk, and a little bit of good old hard rock thrown in for good measure. Since I personally know Suraj, I expected well - written lyrics for the entire album. The entire album showcases Suraj's considerable vocal range with some great songwriting from the band.

The album starts off brilliantly with “Last Days On Earth” reminding us of that all of us as individuals just go on and on with our boring lives, blinded by our greed. The second track, “So Far So Good” is another well written track. One of my personal favourites in the album is the third track - “Prayer in Your Heart”, here it is not just the lyrics but also the music and the way Suraj stresses on the chorus - "With a prayer in your heart; You make a start; And when you open your eyes; You realise where you are; Is this the way it was meant to be; The way we’re going I don’t see; Us getting far".

I thought the album couldn't be better than this, but I was wrong - Drean Out Loud saved the best for the last with their video tracks, "Human Beings", "It's Raining Now", "Desire", "Habit" and "Jigsaw".

Ever since I heard"Human Beings” and "It's Raining Now" - their tunes have remained in my head ever since and I just can't shake it off. "It's Raining Now" especially makes me want to go out and once again start guitar lessons (something that I went for only during my first year in college and then gave up mid-way). I do know that I am definitely going to go out and buy another guitar and start with my lessons shortly. "Habit", “Jigsaw” and "Desire" follow in with similar energy and rhythm.

Overall, the entire album, may not be the vest slow / alternative rock album that a lot of us rock lovers are used to, at Rs. 200/- it is definitely worth it picking up. DO NOT RECORD THE CD FROM SOMEONE ELSE; DON'T DOWNLOAD THE MUSIC FROM THE NET, GO OUT AND BUY YOUR OWN COPY. Help stop piracy!!!

Agreed that Suraj has always been a hard rock musician and he could make a career out of his brilliant live shows, I am glad, that Suraj has decided to use his vocal experience for this album displaying his brilliant range. Chandresh on guitars does little to disappoint all through the album.

Suraj and gang, I'm waiting for your second album - hope that comes out soon.

Mission Istanbul - what a movie

The only thing that I will say about Mission Istanbul is that it is not a movie for the weak hearted - this movie really does grip you and you wouldn't want to miss even a minute of the movie. I've copied the text of the following story from wikipedia.com:

Vikas Sagar (Zayed Khan) would go anywhere for a scoop, risk his life and limb to get an exclusive story that nobody else can. It's for this precise reason Vikas is a familiar face watched by six million viewer's weeknights on Aaj Tak news channel. Ambitious, popular and professional, Vikas is considered one of the most promising journalists in the business.
It's also the reason Owais Hussain (Suniel Shetty), a senior producer at the controversial Istanbul based AL JOHARA, widely criticized as the mouthpiece of terrorists or as their network of choice, makes him an offer to head the channel's proposed Indian bureau for an outrageous salary and other perks. It's an offer he almost can't refuse because of the channel's controversial profile which ensures that it's seen by everyone globally, including the White House. It certainly would take Vikas's career to another level not only does he become the highest paid journalist in India but also puts him on an international platform. But there is one condition that the head hunters from AL JOHARA insist he must join ASAP and then fly to Istanbul for a three month orientation programme.
Their offer couldn't have come at a better time for Vikas, who's undergoing a painful divorce with wife Anjali (Shreya Saran), an equally feisty journalist whose desire to have a baby leads to their separation because her husband wants her to wait a little longer and seems to be in no mood to start a family. While Al Johara dangles the temptation of kickstarting their India operations, Vikas accepts the offer largely to mend his broken heart.
But little does Vikas know that his life is about to change when he takes the flight to Istanbul on a three month orientation program at the channel's headquarters. While Al Johara is one of the most viewed channels in the world, it's reputation has been largely built as the mouthpiece of a dreaded terrorist. Abu Nazir, who is on the most wanted lists of both the Interpol and FBI, is vociferous in his threat to wage war against several countries, including India. A threat he usually delivers via a videotape to Al Johara.
On the flight Vikas finds himself seated next to a stunningly beautiful copassenger who hates flying. Lisa Lobo (Shweta Bhardwaj) is headed for Istanbul to attend a medical convention or so she claims. In her obvious discomfort, she turns to an amused Vikas for moral support and distraction from the reality of being airborne. It's a budding friendship that's grounded the moment the flight lands and Lisa disappears at the airport.
Once in Istanbul, Vikas's initial impression of AL JOHARA is in sharp contrast to its notorious reputation. Especially when he meets the charismatic Ghazni (Niketan Dheer), who has business interests all over the world but whose obsession these days is AL JOHARA as an instrument to shape world events. There is only one word of caution to Vikas and that's never ever to venture onto the 13th floor known as the Catacomb.
As part of his orientation, Vikas gets handson experience in the AL JOHARA newsroom where he watches ghastly and exclusive news reports of terrorism. He learns more about Abu Nazir, who is described as "a oneman organization whose existence revolves around a single person." Vikas is told that it is extremely difficult to find out any details about his private life and his habits because such information would help the secret services who are looking for him. "Abu Nazir is cautious to the point of paranoia."
Reeling under the impact of the reality bytes at work, Vikas's only relief is his flirtatious encounters with Lisa and the lively company of soldier-turned journalist Owais Hussain who is looking forward to quitting his job and settling down with his Irish girlfriend.
But on an assignment to cover kidnapped journalists in one of Abu Nazir's terrorist camps in Afghanistan, Vikas is shocked when Abu Nazir's brother, Khalil (Shabbir Ahluwalia), brutally executes Owais Hussain just before a UN peacekeeping force mounts a rescue operation.
Reeling at this close encounter with terrorism and watching a brutal killing, Vikas returns to Istanbul in a daze and is approached by a former Turkish commando, Rizwan Khan (Vivek Oberoi), who hints that no senior employee has ever quit AL JOHARA and rattles off a list of AL JOHARA employees who had been killed in terrorist attacks within days of there being of rumours of their plans to quit or their resumes circulating in the job market! Vikas is quickly reminded of Owais Husain expressing the same to him. The stranger poses a few more questions about AL JOHARA like why Abu Nazir speaks only to AL JOHARA and leaves quietly.
Vikas discreetly runs a check on the names rattled off by Rizwan and discovers he was indeed telling the truth. Five AL JOHARA staffers before Owais Husain had either died in a car bomb explosion, abducted and killed or simply found dead. It sends a chill through Vikas's spine. He slowly notices that not everything is as simple as they look in the offices of AL JOHARA, especially when he seems to bump into strangers whose faces he soon recognizes as suicide bombers in a couple of terrorist attacks. The deeper Vikas digs into AL JOHARA's history and operations, the more questions crop up in his mind. And then he makes the cardinal mistake of straying onto the 13th floor.
Soon Vikas realizes that all is not what it seems and that he can't trust anyone not even Lisa! As he is tortured for straying onto the 13th floor, double crossed by Lisa and watches wife Anjali narrowly surviving a suicide bomb attack in Srinagar, Vikas has no choice but to ally with Rizwan after he makes a shocking revelation that Abu Nazir is dead but being kept alive by AL JOHARA through videotapes by using digital images of the terrorist and doctoring old footage.
Thereafter Vikas Sagar finds himself creating news rather than reporting it as he steals the secrets locked away on Al Johara's 13th floor, incurs Ghazni's wrath and becomes a man on the run wanted by Turkish cops, terrorists, the CIA and Lisa Lobo!
From wielding a mike before a television camera, he is forced to wield a gun and join Rizwan in a bloody mission against international terrorism.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_Istanbul

For all of you who loved Kabul Express, then this is a movie worth watching