Soundtrack

wogma rating: Add to 'must watch' list ^(?)

quick review:

Soundtrack starts unsurely, mildly irritates while casually displaying a wasted life amidst drugs, alcohol and sex and then grips you into a story that makes you want good things to happen to a person you didn't like much or worse, were indifferent to.

Director: Neerav Ghosh

Cast: Anurag Kashyap, Soha Ali Khan, Rajeev Khandelwal, Mrinalini Sharma, Mohan Kapoor, Yatin Karyekar, Ankur Tewari

Running time: 130 minutes

Genres: Docu-drama, Musical

More Movie Info

Soundtrack starts out with us following pretentious-looking Raunak (Rajeev Khandelwal). Raunak is seen tapping his feet and stopping to lend an ear to the rhythms of life. Having seen and liked Rajeev Khandelwal's earlier work I assumed that Raunak must actually be shallow and fake in terms of his understanding of music. But turns out that he actually has a good ear for music. Which means Rajeev Khandelwal isn't doing a good job. The sinking feeling gets worse with the OD of drugs, alcohol and sex. And then the story begins and boy did it suck me in - both because of the performances and the narration.

Soundtrack is a good example of a simple, predictable story told with a heart and devotion. You start out either hating or being unmoved by a character and in the next hour you find yourself caring for him. You want him to do well, however predictable that makes the film.

This is achieved with mediocre production values. There is no fancy camerawork; neither are gimmicks used to depict the neurosis Raunak is going through. The only thing above average is the sound design. That too, there isn't anything marvelous about it. And even though these tools aren't used, the narrative engages the audience.

Rajeev Khandelwal doesn't disappoint one bit. In hindsight, even his act in the first 10-15 minutes can be overlooked as Raunak is a rather cocksure and selfish character. I totally loved Soha Ali Khan, her real act starts way into the second half and yet when you come out, her character has left an impression and a couple of scenes to remind you of her.

Soundtrack runs along the themes of life, its uncertainties and how people deal with or completely fail to deal with what is dealt to them. But, it also indirectly touches upon mental illnesses. While the solution Soundtrack comes up with might not be medically sound, probable or correct; the importance of strong will depicted in overcoming those odds is a slim ray of hope for people when they go through dark times.

And the most important reason why Soundtrack works for me is that it is based on a true-life story. The impact of those two words, "true life" is enough to give Soundtrack a shot. And I'd recommend a theater watch, just because the impact could be lost/reduced if it is watched with interruptions/distractions.

- meeta, a part of the audience

28 reviewers^(?) - 10 yays 15 so-so 3 nays

Warning: clicking on "full review" will take you to an external website that could contain spoilers.

Thumbs up, by Prateeksha Khot, Bolly Spice : ...Definitely worth a watch.... full review

Thumbs up, by Charu A Mahesh, Buzz in Town : ...All in all, a meaningful, enriching and inspiring story ... full review

Thumbs up, Daily Bhaskar : ...Extremely appealing storyline, flawless performances... full review

Thumbs up, by Akansha Naval-Shetye, DNA : ...Soundtrack is safe and sound!... full review

Thumbs up, by Deepa Deosthalee, Film Impressions : ...THE SOUND OF SILENCE... full review

Thumbs up, Free Press Journal : ...A sincere effort... full review

Thumbs up, Movie Talkies : ...Rajeev Rocks as Neerav Triumphs With 'Soundtrack'!... full review

Thumbs up, by Subhash K. Jha , NDTV : ...Brilliant direction are the strengths of the film. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Namrata Joshi , Outlook India : ...Soundtrack plays out as an inspirational, “triumph of the human spirit... full review

Thumbs up, by Nikhat Kazmi, Times of India : ...Well acted, well narrated and with loads of great music... full review

So-So, by Anna M.M.Vetticad, annavetticadgoes2themovies : ...Soundtrack is a sweet, small, moving, funny, interesting film. ... full review

So-So, by Aparajita Ghosh, Apun Ka Choice : ...Soundtrack may be far from being a stupendous film, but thanks to its unique story ... full review

So-So, by Bobby Sing, Bobby Talks Cinema.com : ...If you are game for watching something out of the routine with a great message, then do watch SOUNDTRACK... full review

So-So, by Mehul Suri, Desi Martini : ...Uplifting... full review

So-So, by Smita, Desi Martini : ...Soul stirring ... full review

So-So, by Martin D'Souza, Glamsham.com : ...SOUNDTRACK can easily be classified as an experiment in creativity.... full review

So-So, by Komal Nahta, koimoi : ...Watch Soundtrack for the performances and the pre-interval part.... full review

So-So, by Sanjukta Sharma , Live Mint : ...A brilliant direction are the strengths of the film. ... full review

So-So, Mixed Bag : ...Rajeev Khandelwal – an outstanding actor, no one is exaggerating. ... full review

So-So, by Shaikh Ayaz , Rediff : ...Soundtrack is watchable... full review

So-So, Roochster : ...Rajeev Khandelwal shine again.... full review

So-So, by Sonia Chopra, Sify Movies : ...The gritty tale of a flawed hero!... full review

So-So, by K K Rai, STARDUST : ...`An average fare.... full review

So-So, by Reel Reptile , Upper Stall : ...It’s hard to believe that director Neerav Ghosh is a debutant.... full review

So-So, Zee News : ...Rajeev, Soha give a winning performance in ‘Soundtrack’ ... full review

Thumbs down, by Mayank Shekhar, Hindustan Times : ...Bandra ka Beethoven? Well...... full review

Thumbs down, by Rajeev Masand, IBN Live : ...'Soundtrack' is a boring film... full review

Thumbs down, by Swati Rohatgi, Now Running.com : ...Soundtrack is decent in parts and could've made for a very upheaving watch had it been for better execution. ... full review

Twitter reviews for this movie are not available.

2 readers - 1 yays 0 so-so 1 nays

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Suman

Nay! Thumbs Down, by Noopur

This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.

Plot Summary

Raunak (Rajeev Khandelwal) has moved to Mumbai to make it big in the music industry. And he begins to do well too, but...

What Worked

The documentary style of narration. Only thing is it wasn't consistent. But liked it because it was something different. Also good use of cameos!
The "guy" talk between Raunak and the club-owner, Charlie - appropriately disgusting.

What did not

Note: This section simply lists the things that I did not like in this movie. This is not the overall impression about this movie. Please read the full review here

The repetition of the "like father , like son" dialogue.
The use of old Hindi film songs in the background, except for "khullam khulla pyaar karenge" didn't work.
Police constables start dancing! I thought this was a non-Salman Khan film!

Parental Guidance:

Violence: One or two scenes with a person being slapped around.
Language: sleazy talk though no abusive language used.
Nudity & Sexual content: Lots of scenes with making out and oral sex is implied.
Concept: That of overcoming your drawbacks and moving on beyond them
General Look and Feel: Plain, not loud, not dull - just plain.