BAND it like Bollywood
SNEHA SINGH writes about some handpicked Hindi movies that are based on musical bands, which are high on emotion, drama and entertainment
Apart from an appealing star cast and all that masaledaar romance, drama and action, it is music that keep us linked with the essence of movies. Bollywood keeps bombarding movie buffs with different genres, but what keeps them feel one with the experience is the music, which the filmmakers use to their full advantage. To give a few
examples would be Udta Punjab, Bajrangi Bhaijan, Shaandar, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo or any of Karan
Johar movies (Kabhi Kushi Kabhi Gham, Ae Dil Hai Muskhil, Badrinath Ki
Dulhaniya, etc) are still remembered for their music. Even though some of the movies didn’t do well at the box office, the songs are is still crooned and played at parties and discotheques.
With the tinge of dramatic storyline many directors are now trying their hands in the musical genre. To celebrate the spirit of melodious ensembles, several new-age directors are trying to protray the life of musical bands on screen. So for the lovers of musicals, we have curated a list of movies that are based on music bands; with a tinge of drama and lot of groovy songs.
Qaidi Band
Qaidi Band: Band of Prisoners depicts the plight of seven innocent undertrials surviving in prison.
The movie tries to shed light on how prisoners are badly treated and how politicians interfere in criminal’s trial for their personal benefits. The movie written and directed by Habib Faisal, marks the debuts of Aadar Jain (Ranbir Kapoor’s cousin and Raj Kapoor’s grandson), and Anya Singh. The seven prisoners form a band and perform in prison so that they can be in the good books of the authorities, who can make their acquittal easier. The band composes a song that becomes a national hit. But all their hope of acquittal crashes when a politician cancels all the trials and uses their songs for election campaign. Later, they release some more powerpacked songs as a sign of their rebellion to set themselves free from prison.
Lucknow Central
Another jail movie that stars Farhan Akhtar in the lead as Kishen Mohan Girhotra, a music enthusiast who dreams to form his own band, but gets falsely accused in murder case that lands him in the infamous jail of Lucknow Central. The movie also features Diana Penty as NGO worker Gayatri Kashyap, who forms a band of prisoners for the band competition which is going to be held in Lucknow Central. Kishen befriends four other inmates who later join his band. Kishen’s life takes a positive turn as he gets a chance he enjoy living a musician’s life. But in the guise of band preparations Kishen and his gang have hidden motives. They plan to escape the jail in the movie which released on Friday.
Rock On and Rock On 2
Rock On!! marked the successful debut of Farhan Akhtar and Prachi Desai as actors on the big screen. The movie, written and directed by Abhishek Kapoor, is a musical drama depicting the journey of four friends who reunite for their band “Magik”. Along with Farhan, Arjun Rampal was also seen playing a pivotal role as Farhan’s band mate. Purab Kohli and Luke Kenny also features as band members of the fictional rock band. Though Rock On!! was well received by the critics, it made an average box office collection. The music and catchy lyrics were the main attraction of the movie. Songs like Socha Hai and Peechle Saat Dino Mein became instant hits and are still popular among youngsters. Rock On 2 (the sequel) which released last year, directed by Shujaat Saudagar, starred Farhan Akhtar, Shraddha Kapoor along with Prachi Desai, Arjun Rampal, Purab Kohli, Luke Kenny among others. Rock on! 2 received mixed reviews and the music too failed to entertain. The music for both the movies was by the musical trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy.
Jhankaar Beats
Another musical comedy directed by Sujoy Ghosh was released in the year 2003. Jhankaar Beats was actually a tribute to late music composer R.D. Burman. The movie is all about love, friendship and music which stars Sanjay Suri, Juhi Chawla, Rahul Bose, Rinke Khanna, Shayan Munshi and Riya Sen in pivotal roles. Sanjay as Deep and Juhi as Shanti lead a happy married life. Whereas, Rishi (Rahul Bose) and his shorttempered wife Nicky (Rinkee Khanna) keep fighting over small issues. Deep and Rishi are best friends and music lovers who are obsessed with R. D. Burman. Both of them have been performing in a pop music contest called ‘Jhankaar Beats’ with the hopes of winning the top prize. The movie takes an interesting turn with the arrival of Shayan Munshi. The movies also features many colourful characters that keep you glued till the very end. The movie had beautiul music and soulful tracks like Tu Ashiqui Hai, Suno Na, Kaisa Yeh Nasha Hai and the ever-green Humein Tumse Pyaar Kitna.
London Dreams
This movie portrays the story of two childhood friends: Ajay Devgn and Salman Khan. 17-year-old Arjun (Ajay Devgn) dreams of becoming a singer, but his father doesn’t allow him to pursue his passion as a career choice. But his friend Mannu (Salman Khan) supports him and after Arjun’s father death, his uncle takes a turn, when Mannu goes to London and he, too, joins his Arjun’s band. Gradually, Mannu gains popularity among audience, making Arjun jealous in the process. The friendship goes sour which in turn affects their band ‘London Dreams’.