After Aashiqui 2, Shraddha Kapoor chases another musical dream in Rock On 2

She is the new addition to the franchise. Yet, Shraddha Kapoor is probably getting a sense of déjà vu after watching the Rock On 2 trailer. She struggled to chase her musical dreams in Aashiqui 2, and at least in the Rock On 2 trailer, she appears to be doing much the same, except that here her character aspires to be a rock star.

The first step on the big stage for Jiah (Kapoor) results in disaster, probably leading to the end of the band and sending her into a hell. From the looks of it, Rock On 2 appears to be a film where Magik, the rock group helmed by Farhan Akhtar's character, picks up the pieces and redeems itself.

It’s been eight years since Rock On!! rocked the nation. Farhan Akhtar made a smashing debut as an actor, while the film rescued the career of Arjun Rampal. Unfortunately, the long gap of eight years reflects on the faces of  the cast in the second film. Akhtar’s sage-like beard is reminiscent of Harshvardhan Kapoor in Mirzya.

The first film saw all the characters trying to not only pursue their dreams, but also make a living. It’s natural for the band to have prospered, but as the trailer reveals, the band breaks up with Aditya (Akhtar) not wanting to have anything to do with his past, and Joseph (Rampal) giving up music for greener pastures. One wonders whether Joseph finds a cash cow in adjudicating a singing reality TV show. 

For a musical film, the music of Rock On 2 has failed to create any magic so far. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy do revisit the title track, but it comes across as a rehash.

The trailer may not be rocking, but Rock On 2 does have Kumud Mishra, who has proved to be a lucky charm for films like Rustom, Sultan, MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, and Airlift. Mishra plays Jiah’s father. 

Shujaat Saudagar has replaced Abhishek Kapoor as the director, but it remains to be seen whether he can emulate Kapoor’s success.

Rock On 2 is scheduled to be released on 11 November.

Watch the Rock On 2 trailer here: