Rocket Singh
wogma rating: Owner's Pride! (?)
An adorable experience. A drama-free which by definition includes melodrama-free execution. Super-witty dialogues that are timed superbly. And a plot that flows smoothly. What more can we ask for?
A faster pace? A shorter film? Maybe - but I'll take a little more of this than lose the impact it creates.
Oh and kudos to Jaideep Sahni! This man has some writing prowess!!
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The first scene of Rocket Singh makes you wonder if you are watching Wake Up Sid all over again. A not-so-good-at-academics protagonist will find his groove in this big bad world. While the premise might be the same, the apparatus used is entirely different. No generic heart-strings pulled for "aaaaws" from the audience. A straightforward, no riff-raff film that you can identify with. And you will laugh your way through the everyday sense of humor it carries.
BE WARNED THOUGH: it is not your regular Yash Raj film with a bright song every 10th minute. It's not one where the editor went zip-zapp-zooom to create a fast pace or a shorter film. It's slowish. It's longish. And if I were an impatient viewer, those would be my first and last complaints. And since I'm not, I have more reasons to rejoice, a few quibbles here and there, as scribbled in the notepad section.
I'm willing to sit in the beloved dark hall a little longer and watch things build-up slowly. Just in case I miss the finer details that have been paid attention to by the makers, the ones that might have helped create that warm atmosphere and yet maintain a hostile environment. Don't want to run that risk.
Especially when one of the most well-known banners in the industry "Yash Raj Films" is taking the huge risk of getting rid of the female lead altogether and having a minimum of songs. An hour into the movie and I, a fan of the non-standard Hindi films, wanted to scream "Where's the GIRL?" And what a huge risk that is for budding "star" Ranbir Kapoor too. But like they say, even superheroes take risks. Why shouldn't our heroes, then?
Many of us don't aspire to much. If we aren't one of them, we know someone very closely, who is happy with what they get and don't think they deserve any better. Our man, Harpreet Singh Bedi (Ranbir Kapoor) is one of them. He doesn't meddle with his life too much. Until, one day, realization dawns. And let me not scare you. It's not the epiphany waiting to happen. It is a slow, gradual call on the self. You'll see yourself, if you went through what Harpreet went through with his baggage of values.
Rocket Singh is also a detailed comment on how the corporate world and more specifically, cut-throat sales departments work. The sleaze is shown, but you don't puke, because it is shown so matter-of-factly. After all, you run that rat-race too.
And remarkably the character transitions are very believable too. An academically challenged commerce student doesn't turn into a superhuman in a skill set he thinks he's good at. When the tables turn, they do so subtly. The sweet talk, lies and malice turn into shrewd judgment calls. The "anti-heroes" are no dumbwits or "just-do-it" bosses. They can walk the talk too.
And all of this with sharp dialogues. In fact, the first half hour reminded me of two TV series that I admire the most for their crisp dialogues - West Wing and Sports Night. These shows were written by Aaron Sorkin who also wrote one of my favorite dramas A few good men and one of my favorite rom-coms The American President. So, if I'm thinking of Aaron Sorkin and my favorite Hindi writer-director Hrishikesh Mukherjee at the same time, the writer of this film, Jaideep Sahni has done his job! You see guys, I had no choice but to love this film.
But this also means the film is full of dialogues. Back and forth and back. If you are refraining from creating a non-loud Sikh character, you have done your job well! It's such a shame that this is good enough. And the task of creating other believable office-going characters seems like only a mild achievement.
Obviously none of this would have come through if the actors didn't do their jobs or they weren't given direction. You want the idealistic protagonist to stick to his guns but you want him to succeed too. But, you do know that in this day and age you are asking for the impossible, because you want a realistic film too.
And you make such a demand only because your hopes have risen due to the perfect casting. From the technician Mishraji (Mukesh Bhatt) to Giri despite his uneven Hyderabadi accent (or is it Telangana now? :) ). You want to hug them all. And of course you want to beat up that brat of a boss, Mr. Suri. So fresh is this cast, that despite detailed searches on the net, I can't figure out which character is played by whom. The search is on, meanwhile, dear readers, if you know, drop me a line.
But before you do any of that, go catch this sales-guy before he achieves his targets! He's not selling a product or a service. He's out there selling a value system. Remember, selling, not preaching. So you just might buy it. You know you want to.
- meeta, a part of the audience
Thumbs up, by Nita, A Wide Angle View of India : ...Ranbir Kapoor’s acting as Rocket Singh is alright but more important is that he comes across as a genuine and believable sardar.... full review
Thumbs up, by Amodini, Amodini's Movie Reviews : ...although the film is almost entirely shot in office-space, which means enclosed rooms, Shimit Amin manages to keep up the interest with well-paced events and some great, subtle humor... full review
Thumbs up, by Noyon Jyoti Parasara, AOL INDIA : ...Shimit Amin’s technical background ensures that he brings out a very clean looking product – shot and edited well. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Naresh Kumar Deoshi, Apun Ka Choice : ...Ranbir Kapoor plays his part well but doesn’t modulate his voice much. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Blogeswari, Blogeswari : ...NO KIRRON KHER as the Punjabi mom! Infact, No mom at all. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Baradwaj Rangan, Blogical Conclusion, The New Sunday Express : ...Amin, working from a smart (though somewhat predictable) screenplay by Jaideep Sahni, isn’t one to belabour, for instance, the point that Harpreet is as middle-class as they come.... full review
Thumbs up, by Bobby Sing, Bobby Talks Cinema.com : ...It may not be appreciated by the masses, but for a change it’s a simple and refreshing flick with everything just in the right proportions as required.... full review
Thumbs up, by Priyal Sanghvi, Bolly Spice : ...The motley of Hardeep 's friends and colleagues collectively are responsible for the success of Rocket Singh... full review
Thumbs up, by Daliya Ghose, Bollywood Mantra : ... Written by Jaideep Sahni, the script is a polished one and purely inspired from real life incident and real people.... full review
Thumbs up, by Aniruddha Guha, DNA : ...The film relies on a simple story by Jaideep Sahni and also some really witty writing, by Sahni again, that is really the soul of the film.... full review
Thumbs up, by Gautam Ghosh, Gautam Ghosh : ...I kid you not, at that point I wanted to get up and clap.... full review
Thumbs up, by Martin D'Souza, Glamsham.com : ...Shimit takes a neutral view of the business field and lays bare the employee-boss relationship as well as the 'percentage party' where the customer is the scapegoat... full review
Thumbs up, by Mayank Shekhar, Hindustan Times : ...Yet, the director keeps things minimalist and subtle to the point of dulling cinematic appeal sometimes.... full review
Thumbs up, by Rajeev Masand, IBN Live : ...Meticulously written by Jaideep Sahni, the genius behind such gems as Khosla Ka Ghosla and Chak De India, the script of Rocket Singh is its real star. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Kaveree Bamzai, india today : ...It's a movie which can be epitomized by its aphorisms. The slogan at the college get together says: "We passed, college failed".... full review
Thumbs up, by Susan Jose, India-Forums : ...Shahzahn Padamsee did not have to strive at all given her character. She is just being herself in the film and that seems to work.... full review
Thumbs up, by Mihir Fadnavis, india.com : ...Expect a Force 10 gale of a performance from Ranbir, charismatic, spirited, exasperated and restrained all at once if you can imagine that.... full review
Thumbs up, by Shubhra Gupta, indian express : ...The wet-behind-the-ears Rocket’s blooding in salesman-‘giri’ is both amusing and thought-provoking: is this what the guy who shows up at your doorstep with a water purifier, and whom you said no to, goes through back in his office? ... full review
Thumbs up, by Gaurav Malani, indiatimes : ... The character-driven story doesn’t let Ranbir overshadow the supporting cast, each of who gets good scope... full review
Thumbs up, Indicine : ...The guy who played the character of Nitin, is by far the best of the lot.... full review
Thumbs up, by Kshitij Mehta, J.A.M : ...Ranbir Kapoor is no more the next big thing. He has arrived. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Sarita Tanwar, MiD DAY : ...It doesn't try to be funny or romantic or even dramatic. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Anupama Chopra, NDTV : ... The drama here is more restrained. The obstacles seem more ordinary. The characters are wholly believable. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Subhash K Jha, Now Running.com : ...This film really cares about the environment of indolent debauchery that has crept into the working-class lifestyle. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Kenny, Passion for Cinema : ...I’m truly happy that a great writer is being allowed to script such unconventional tales... full review
Thumbs up, by Magik, Passion for Cinema : ...And then there is Shazahn meri jaan… B E A Utiful & how! ... full review
Thumbs up, by Anand, Passion for Cinema : ...A big credit to Yash Raj and Aditya Chopra for the restrained hand that they allow the writer-director duo to lay on the movie.... full review
Thumbs up, by Raja Sen, Rediff : ...And it works, because the film's innate honesty makes us want to believe. That, and the lack of razzle-dazzle... full review
Thumbs up, by K N Gupta, SmasHits.com : ...The USP of the movie is Ranbir Kapoor's changed new looks. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Pratim D Gupta, The Telegraph : ...Rocket Singh is a fun ride which swings through the world of sales but carries with it a universal thought, one of self-reliance.... full review
Thumbs up, by Nikhat Kazmi, Times of India : ...Be patient and you'll end up realising this could be well be one of the most intelligent films of the year, ... full review
So-So, desi hits : ...The soundtrack is nothing special for "Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year." The songs have some fun lyrics, but no great, chart topping tracks.... full review
So-So, by Deepa Garimella, fullhyd.com : ...Rocket Singh succeeds in some detailed characterization of most of those involved, and the actor deliver on par with it. ... full review
So-So, by Ashok Nayak, Now Running.com : ... lengthy and slow. ... full review
So-So, by Lidia Ostepeev, Planet Bollywood : ...They were defined by their office behavior and a few quirks but nothing that had me rooting for them - hoping that they would give management the slap in the face it deserved. ... full review
So-So, by Sonia Chopra, Sify Movies : ...Gauhar Khan is fabulous as the fast-talking receptionist angling for a bigger post.... full review
So-So, by Janhvi Patel, StarBoxOffice : ...Gauhar Khan has quite a meaty role as the dolled-up, ‘item girl’ of a receptionist who doesn’t mince her words.... full review
So-So, STARDUST : ...Gauhar Khan has shown sparks of an aotstanding actress in the making.... full review
So-So, by SpiceZee Bureau, Zee News : ...watch out the flick to know more about the journey of Rocket Singh! ... full review
Thumbs down, by Taran Adarsh, Bollywood Hungama : ...dull and dry ... full review
Thumbs down, by Anuj, Indian Auteur : ...if a director whose staggering caliber was revealed by his debut needs to step aside – he is only wasting his time.... full review
Thumbs down, by Padmaja Thakore, Passion for Cinema : ...Rocket Singh’s narrative unfolds in series of such uneven plots making it somewhat a cock & bull story.... full review
Thumbs down, by Khalid Mohamed, Passion for Cinema : ...stretches on and on and on for 16 reels, uninterrupted even by entertainment relief points. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Tony, Radio Sargam : ...But, for a film that has no script, he is unable to put his talents to good effect. We can neither applause nor boo him.... full review
Thumbs down, by The Thirdman, Upper Stall : ... Ranbir Kapoor re-emphasizes yet again what a fine actor star in the making he is as he single-handedly holds the film together.... full review
Twitter reviews for this movie are not available.
This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.
Plot Summary
Harpreet Singh Bedi (Ranbir Kapoor) never believed in his academic achievements. Non-existent as they were. He thought he had the brains to get through life though. But roadblock - he had values too. Can values and thus the real him survive in this dog-eat-dog world?
What Worked
- The titles with the stills from everyday life. Very warm.
- A Sindhi complimenting a Sardar on their exemplary work ethics. Really heart-warming.
- The team's reaction when they find out about Ranbir's girlfriend. - Lovely!
What did not
- The lame rubber duckie joke and the rockets - very school-level humor. Not apt for mean, competitive salespeople.
- The typical joke on Gays where 2 men are accidentally found in a compromising position - why? Completely unnecessary.
- Dialogue to Shehnaz, "I feel I can talk to you" Such crisp dialogues through the film to be spoilt by such one-liners, why?
- Nitin's (Ranbir Kapoor's immediate boss's) painted goatee and sidelocks.
Nitty-Gritty
- Do they actually comb the hair on Ranbir Kapoor's hand. There was this well-lit shot with the hair on his hands all pointing in exactly the same direction!
- Why was the Maggie so white?
Parental Guidance:
- Violence: None.
- Language: Clean.
- Nudity & Sexual content: A character ogling at bikini clad pics of women. And a voyeuristic glance at women every once in a while.
- Concept: Honesty and perseverance have a place in this world, or do they?
- General Look and Feel: It's bright but songless. Funny but the humor might be lost on kids less than 10.
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Comments (14)
@Rahul when is that going to be?
@Harpreet he he, other than that too it is a good film!
@Rahul and what a warm welcome the cinema-world has for you when you are back to civilization (non-exam world!) Good luck!!
Meetu I have to say you have done an awesome review and after reading this I would take some time out to watch this movie for sure...
Loved the movie. I didn't find it slow at all. The movie kept my interest throughout. The ragging done by the Coworkers was over the top. The story is implausible, but is well written and nearly convinces u that it could have happened. The background music was awesome as was the acting by the supporting cast as well. Liked the way the romance was not given much focus. Ranbir is extremely lucky with his choice of films.
@Ravish Thank you! Do let us know what you thought of the film.
@Gill 4/5 and 5/5 makes it a %age. Where as a ranking that says "Must Watch" You know what to do. Doesn't matter how many marks the film gets. And I guess this is my way of being "different"
@JJ I used to follow both those series when I lived in the US. West Wing was playing on one of the channels here, but haven't seen Sports Night. I usually grab DVDs from my DVD rental place. He has all the released West Wing seasons.
@Sudhir Yeah its unrealistic but you want to believe it can happen int he "Lage Raho Munnabhai" sort of a way. I loved the fact that the romance was just a very-very side thing. Awesome decisions these were! Good to see you here again!
Hi Meetu, Just saw the Indibloggies 2008 results. Congrats for winning the award for Best Entertainment Indiblog!
Hey Shuchi. Thanks!!!
Hel-lo cinefreak, long time-no see! Good to have you back. All you say is right. But while walking out of the theater, I felt I've watched a GOOD film. It made me use my brain because of its witty dialogue mainly. And that's all that counts.
RE: 'this movie would never have got made if it was not for the team that wrote and directed it'
uhhh...isn't that true of any film, irrespective of quality?
Hi
This is my first visit to your blog. Outstanding work. Im here because I spotted this as a winner on indiblogger. I a quite skeptical about movie review blogs...one because they are too many of them. And also they tend to use it as a medium to vent out their frustrations...over cynical and stuff like that. You have managed to keep it personal and at the same time neutral. But this was refreshingly different. And I agree with everything you've written about rocket....it was a brilliant watch.
keep it up...you are not just another member in the audience for sure.
Thank you Rajesh! Am I glad that you dropped in here!?
Yeah, I try to watch out for what's good in the films I don't like. And the films I like, I acknowledge the flaws.
I am a member of the audience, and my opinion counts. So, yes, I'm not 'just another' member of the audience. Thank you!!
A good film is very difficult to work with. In my opinion a good film is one that either reasonates emotionally with the audience or makes the audience think or both. This film does not have any of that. It is just an average joe film, there is nothing that you feel connected about either to the characters or to the film as a whole. Eg Chak De with its patriotism, was a completely different ball game, not that I subscribe to it, but yes, it did make for some great emotional moments.
And what I meant was that since it was the team of Sahni and Amin, a major studio funded it, otherwise the script would have been thrown out on its butt. Possibly the script was grittier and the studio house being what it is eliminated that grittiness. One never knows.
@cine freak yep possible. Very possible. Yet they got away with a lot. No lead lady and no songs, for example.
Thanks, dude! Thank you very much!!
watched Rocket Singh yesterday on Television.....missed it out in the theaters but did not regret it much...
I agree to what is written above that the movie is slow and sluggish....but when you sit alone and watch it with nothing else to do......its a nice watch......also because you know that there is a looser who is going to come out as a winner....
cheers!!
Ranbir Kapoor has acted well in the movie and also the concept of the movie was nice.
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