Exclusive | Abhishek Kapoor on 15 years of Rock On: Haven't seen film in theatre, watched in bits and parts on TV

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Abhishek Kapoor's directorial, Rock On!! on August 29, 2023. Headlined by Farhan Akhtar, Arjun Rampal, Purab Kohli, Prachi Desai, Shahana Goswami and Luke Kenny, the musical was critically acclaimed. On the film's 15th anniversary, Mid-Day spoke to Abhishek, who brought the story to life on the big screen. Talking to us, the filmmaker spoke about his experience, casting and more.

Talking about Rock On!! completing 15 years, Abhishek spoke about the experience of making the film. He said, "It was absolutely fantastic. Even today, the taste in my mouth is the same. The joy of making this film, writing it and seeing it come to life was magical. It feels like yesterday. I got to collaborate with some great minds. There were so many supremely talented people who came together to make this film."

Opening up about the challenges of casting the right actors, Abhishek revealed, "When I made the film, I wanted actors to sing their own songs. I desired to make it with some other actors but when they got to know about this, they lost interest in it. Then, I decided to take the script to Farhan Akhtar, who has been a friend since we were kids. His voice quality was something I wanted for the character in the film. I just thought he could be suitable for Rock On!!. I had just finished a movie called Aryan which had not done well but it was a heartfelt project that I had made. Rock On!! was a complete shift from what I had made earlier - someone from above nudges you in the right direction when you're in the zone. I called Farhan to audition for Rock On!! and he came with a guitar and played the reference songs I had in mind for the film. It was like a cosmic connection."

He further added, "I had a tough time casting the other guys. In our industry, you are either the hero or a flunky. That's it. We rarely have multicharacter films where everyone is equally important and cool. Rock On!! was one of those. It was initially tough to convince actors but all's well that ends well."

Recalling the casting process, Abhishek revealed, "I auditioned Purab Kohli for KD and felt he was the right fit but the team wasn't sure. My mom's building had a garage and I made it my office. I brought a drum set and would have Purab come and train daily. After a lot of hard work, he sat perfectly well. The part was written for Luke Kenny. Arjun Rampal wasn't my first choice. The character was to make a comeback and do what he was born to do. Arjun looks so refined and hence I wanted someone else. When Arjun heard the part, he loved it."

Abhishek opened up about conceiving the idea of Rock On!! He said, "Great ideas just hit you like a thunderbolt. My film Aryan had just been released and it took years to make that film. The movie hadn't done well but I was happy that I could release it on my own. I was spending my weekend at a plush restaurant in Mumbai and the new iPod had just come out. I had seen it for the first time and had my own playlist. I was listening to the best of rock music. I thought I would love to make a film on rock music. Four friends, how they were in the past and what are they doing in the present. It took me a while to develop the idea. A great idea finds its way. You have to nurture it and it will guide you."

The filmmaker revealed that he never watched his film, Rock On!! in theatres. "I don't remember watching Rock On!! on the big screen. I have seen it while making it and during the post-production. I have seen it in bits and parts when someone plays it on the television. I don't go back and watch my films; I remember them.
People make movies for money, the audience, and their peers, but I realised I make movies for myself. I love movies and exciting stories. I make films I would like to see. I like my movies to have a shelf life. I have two kids, I have to be responsible that they enjoy my movies."

Amid the ongoing trend of re-releases, Abhishek said, "I think Rock On should re-release." Talking about the possibility of Rock On 3 being in the making, he added, "I'm going to have a word with Farhan over that. Let's wait and watch."