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Two very different films. One deals with the aftermath of the Mumbai train blasts, and the other is all about music - coming together because of it and falling apart for it. And, both incidentally wel-received. Bollywood is growing and how!

Even a couple of years back, it would have been near impossible to make a film like Mumbai Meri Jaan and not be put into the ‘art cinema’ category. And, probabaly no one would have thought of a story like Rock On! Rock music is still a developing genre in India - you only have a handful of people who actually can identify with the music.

Mumbai Meri Jaan deals with the aftermath of the Mumbai train blasts. It’s about how different people’s lives change as a result. Everyone has done wonderfully in the film, but two names that stand apart are definitely Paresh Rawal and Irrfan Khan. The best part about the film, is that, Nishikanth Kamath lets the silence speak. You don’t have characters giving you a lecture about what is wrong with Mumbai, or what can be done, or why Mumbai still survives despite all odds. That would have really made the film a painful watch.

The characters let their expressions speak for them - When Paresh Rawal is derided by his junior for having led an uneventful career - the expression on Paresh’s face says it all. The way his shoulders
hunch, and he suddenly loses his balance, puts the message across. Madhavan is scared to board the local after the blast. But, one day in his hurry he has no option left. The fear is evident in his face when he finally boards the local, as also the relief that sets in when he realizes that Mumbai never
dies - it fights back. And, of course, who can forget Irrfan! Perhaps the outstanding scene of all is
the last shot - where entire comes to a standstill observing a two minute silence for all those killed
in the train blast a week back. That scene lifts the film - it strongly puts across the message that come what may, the Mumbai spirit will never die. It will remain. And, the song - Ae dil hai mushkil jeena hai - adds that perfect touch.

Rock On is a different ball game altogether. It’s about four different people coming together out of the need to make music, and falling apart for the same reason. A lot has been written about the maverick Farhan Akhtar. But, look out for Arjun Rampal. His is perhaps the best etched out character. This is one guy who has loads of talent, who knows what he wants, who is ambitious, and who like most such talented people bows down to life. He breaks and he rises again. Especially in the last scene when he comes onto the stage - you sense his mental strength. True, there are some cliched tit-bits - Luke Kenny diagnosed with brain tumour, Magik’s once-upon-a-time opponent being in the commanding chair ten years down the line - and Farhan’s ex-girlfriend married to the same guy. But, thankfully, the film rises above them all.

Come to think of it, both actually deal with the awakening and re-awakening of the soul. And, the never-say-die spirit.

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