Taran Adarsh -
Some films absorb you instantly, from the very outset. But it takes time to get into the world of a salesman who thinks from his heart.
Come to think of it, ROCKET SINGH - SALESMAN OF THE YEAR is about a simpleton, but the story of his struggle and accomplishment isn't the kind that would charge you or make you charter a similar path in life. Also, the story of an underdog who comes up the hard way should make you feel euphoric in the end, right? But ROCKET SINGH - SALESMAN OF THE YEAR doesn't.
Frankly, ROCKET SINGH - SALESMAN OF THE YEAR is more of a documentary on the life of a salesman. It's a decent film, no two opinions on that, but the question is, [a] Is the story powerful enough to excite you and [b] Does it grab your attention in entirety? Sadly, the answer to both the questions is in the negative.
There's another problem and this is strictly from the point of those seeking entertainment. A Yash Raj film with Ranbir Kapoor [after AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI] essaying the title role, coupled with fun-filled promos ['Pocket Mein Rocket Hain'] might make you assume that it would offer loads of entertainment, but this has barely a song or two, as good as no romance and hardly any comic moments - the recipe for most Hindi movies.
In a nutshell, ROCKET SINGH - SALESMAN OF THE YEAR is a dull and dry experience.
Harpreet Singh Bedi [Ranbir Kapoor] has just graduated and his marks are, well, let's say a little embarrassing. But marks never stopped him from dreaming of an exciting and adventurous career, and they never will.
He takes a deep, positive breath and dives into the world of sales, rumoured to be an ultra cool career. It's everything he dreamt of, with its smooth dressing, smoother talking men and women who can sell ice to an Eskimo, dreams to an insomniac and a lifetime mobile connection to a dying man. But soon, his idea of success begins clashing with the strange ways of these 'professionals' and 'bosses' he looked up to.
ROCKET SINGH - SALESMAN OF THE YEAR may be based on a simpleton's life, but the viewer gets a hang of things only towards the second hour. The entire first hour is devoted to establishing the characters and also getting used to the way sales persons go about their business.
There's not much excitement in the first hour, barring a few attention-grabbing scenes that pop up intermittently. The story just flows, with the viewer not reacting much to the proceedings. But things change for better towards the post-interval portions when the protagonist and his colleagues' lives get complicated.
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"but this has barely a song or two, as good as no romance and hardly any comic moments - the recipe for most Hindi movies. "
ReplyDeleteHahahahaha. Does he intentionally add such funny lines in his review!!!!
Raja Sen on Twitter -
ReplyDeleteRocket verdict: flies good.
Grabbing hold of Jaideep Sahni is the single smartest thing YashRaj Films have done since Silsila.
Rajeev Masand on twitter -
ReplyDeleteWhatever else you do this weekend, make it a point to watch Rocket Singh.
Ranbir Kapoor will make a Hattrick.
ReplyDeleteSuperstar by the end of the year.
Rajeev Masand -
ReplyDeleteLike Swades and Lage Raho Munnabhai which came before it, Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year is a film about the importance of basic goodness.
In an industry driven by opening weekends and bumper collections, it's that oddball film that seldom compromises on its intentions for the sake of becoming more box-office friendly. As a result the film feels too long, indulgent even, and ever-so-often it appears uncinematic.
That's hardly surprising, considering much of the film is shot in basic office spaces and features long conversations between its characters. But don't be fooled by its appearance; Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year is a film with all heart.
Ranbir Kapoor plays Harpreet Singh Bedi, an idealistic young graduate who lands a sales job in a computer firm run by a boss who sets unrealistic targets for his team. His rose-tinted glasses come off early in the day as he watches receptionists being wooed for prompt appointments with busy managers, and security guards being bribed for information on rivals. For his own part, he stays strictly upright, going so far as to file a complaint against a client who wants his palm greased. That act of honesty, however, is rewarded with a demotion.
Convinced that a business can be run clean, Harpreet sets up his own company within the one he works for, roping in a handful of fellow colleagues as partners. Operating honestly and diligently, this team discreetly sets up a thriving business that eventually rivals the one they work for.
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. Seeking inspiration in real life and real people, the film avoids stereotypes and goes for characters and situations that are refreshingly familiar – the team-leader who fudges conveyance vouchers, the cut-throat competitive co-workers, the porn-surfing maintenance guy, even the promotion-seeking receptionist.
Taking the cue from Sahni's script, director Shimit Amin bravely resists any temptation to glamorise the world they've set the film in, by rooting the drama in a space that is basic and without frills. An office party scene is filmed with colleagues drinking out of plastic cups, loosening their ties and dancing to songs being played out of a computer. Even the film's opening credits sequence in which the camera lovingly floats over a middle-class home's bric-a-brac is evidence of the makers' commitment to authenticity.
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Yeah agreed Doga.
ReplyDeleteWhat an year for Ranbir!!!! Glad he has removed that YRF Bachna Ae Haseeno image and although is working for them and Dharma is trying something different each time and proving his versatility.
This is a refreshingly different movie which keeps you entertained. Watched the movie today, and loved it. What works for the movie is perfect casting. Ranbir Kapoor has essayed the lead role very well, and the supporting cast is equally good.
ReplyDeleteShimit Amin proves once again that he knows his craft.
Go and watch it, if you have not already done so :-)
Planning to see it sometime soon. :)
ReplyDeleteI wonder why movie is not picking up even after predominantly glowing reviews.
ReplyDeleteAnd I seriouslyu think that Khalid and taran should be omitted from critics category.
They are big time partisans, you pay them and they will write anything.
I bet they already have 3I reviews written, just bneed to print it.
I saw the movie this Sunday and i liked it...RK as the lead was fantastic in a understated performance...This guy definitely have some legs...
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