Rockford

With 'Rockford', Kukunoor takes us into another less explored field of Indian cinema. It's about a young teenager, Rajesh, who's admitted to a boarding school, 'Rockford' and how he experiences growing up. The screenplay is written in a very realistic and impressive way. The teenagers talk about sex, masturbation and physical attraction, the bullying etc, something rarely portrayed in any Indian film and yet something so normal and common of teenagers to talk about. We're also introduced to strange characters and situations e.g. the priest who seems to 'like' the boys or the accusation of molestation but none of it is forced, nor overdone. 'Rockford' has several light moments and it is a nostalgic film many can identify with.

Rohan Dey as Rajesh is excellent. One of the best performances by a child no doubt. He just seems to play the part so naturally. Usha Krishnamurty is good and shares a nice chemistry with Rohan. Nagesh Kukunoor is different from what he played in 'Teen Deewarein' and 'Dor' but he doesn't seem at ease with his character. Nandita Das doesn't have much to do but she does bring grace and elegance.

The film doesn't score so high on the technical aspect as cinematography and sound effects are mediocre. Yet, it's the screenplay, editing and performances that easily outweigh everything else. Some of the sequences were done very well including the whole Dracula nightmare, Rajesh's get together with Malati, Rajesh's friendship with Johnny and Rajesh's fantasy with Lily Vegas. For some it's a pleasant trip down memory lane, for some a fun movie to watch.

I decided to watch this film for two basic reasons;1)Nagesh Kukunoor & 2)because I too study in a boarding school of India. This film shows the reality of a boarding life which has never ever been shown on- screen. This is precisely what happens in an Indian Boarding school, obviously somethings may vary but this is more or less precise.And if you too happen to study in one, this film will revive all the old memories, incidences, stupidness,silliness, failures and successes. Though it does not touch each and every aspect of a boarding life but still it's a must see.

My personal favorite parts are what the lead experiences in the starting of his life there, because that what happens to most of the students.

One of the Rarest Film which shows the Life of Boarding school in India. I have studied in Boarding school and after watching this film i just Miss Those GOLDEN days. Who all have seen it would agree. The One special Teacher we have crush on and the One Sports Sir who inspire us to be good and Tough. Awesome Film. After watching this film You tend to revisit your OLD school Pictures and all the Boarding school things You have and Remember the IMPORTANCE of the Same. Brilliant Direction story and Screen Play. Great SONG too by K.K. The Film if re-released shall do really good Business and Would be inspiring in many ways.

Just need a Blu-ray or DVD copy of it

Rockford is a simply-told story of day-to-day struggles of most adolescents who attend public boarding schools (at least in India). It has an excellent script, well directed, and fascinatingly enacted. The characters have been so realistically portrayed into their roles that a viewer is completely enmeshed in the plot and can relate to the boy (Rohan Dey) and his life. Every character has been shown in light of such seriousness and sincerity that even though it is a comedy, it is a "thinking" one. Boys aspiring to be men is a central theme (though the "other side always looks greener"). Although a few parts were a bit exaggerated, they did not feel out-of-place. The subjects of "sneaking" (tattling), child abuse, adolescent love, etc. in boarding schools have been handled very well by Nagesh Kukunoor. It is a film about hurdling life's barriers and dealing with its issues at your own terms. The use of music at the right places improves the film's appeal.

Every one should watch it once. This is a feel good movie in true sense.