Movies are re-releasing in theaters amid a lack of new releases. A steady decline in theatre footfall has led to multiplexes incurring huge losses. The movie-watching experience has changed with the arrival of OTTs and most movies are finding a release on our smartphones and laptops instead of the big screen. Nevertheless, screening a cult classic, a popular commercial flick, a nostalgic 90s love story, or a critically acclaimed award-winning movie brings people back to the theatres, albeit at lower ticket prices. But, is the rerelease trend just a reaction to low profits? Maybe not. 

The recent rerelease of Imtiaz Ali’s 2011 musical love story Rockstar is a testament to people’s interest in exploring a movie they have grown up hearing about but didn’t know well. Take Gen Zs, for example, who were in school when Rockstar was released and won its lead actor Ranbir Kapoor his first Best Actor Filmfare Award. They grew up listening to AR Rahman‘s soulful numbers from the movie, like ‘Kun Faya Kun’, ‘Tum Ho’ ‘Nadaan Parindey’, and more–all sung by Mohit Chauhan. But they could never know what it felt like listening to these songs in a theatre with high-quality sound; experiencing the magic of watching a forbidden love story inspired by the mystical poet Rumi, and just how universal the language of love, grief and longing is. 

On the other hand, millennials remember the release of Rockstar in 2011 when such movies were a rarity and the feelings showcased in the film were difficult to understand. Watching Rockstar in cinemas again made them realize what they missed out on back then because going to the movies was an expenditure in 2011 that their broke selves couldn’t incur. Also, as a college kid, it was quite difficult to understand why Jordan (Kapoor) kept looking for pain in his life to become a singer. Or why he ultimately begged to be freed from the same heartbreak because it kept him away from the love of his life. 

An average hit in 2011, Rockstar has become a symbol of human angst in the years since its release. The story of an ordinary Delhi guy trying to be a singer but failing to impress people around him resonates with scores of youngsters trying to find fame online now. Janardan, aka Jordan, is told by his mentor Khatana (Kumud Mishra) that music emerges from deep within a painful heart. It’s gut-wrenching pain that leads a man to music. 

And so, Jordan goes in search of pain. His unlikely friendship with Heer (Nargis Fakhri) turns into love in quite a natural way. Unfortunately, she gets married and moves to Prague. Though they love each other, it’s too late for a love like that to blossom in an all-too-practical world, marred by customs, societal restrictions, and constrictions. Jordan’s music is a reflection of that angst emerging from restrictions and forbidden feelings. His love for Heer inspires him to produce sensational music that ignites people’s souls and sets their hearts on fire. But, in the process, Jordan’s heart too is burnt to a crisp. He gets Heer back but only for a brief while before a terminal illness takes her away. And he, despite all his money and fame, cannot do anything. 

The innumerable Instagram reels on Rockstar are a testament to the universal language of love that binds generations. Despite Tinder and Bumble and the age of situationships, a movie inspired by Rumi’s poetry won hearts, especially the famous line – “Away, beyond all concepts of right doing and wrong doing there is a field. I’ll meet you there,” – with which the film begins. A love unattainable is a common occurrence across generations, and so is the angst of living in a hypocritical society bound by rules and laws, all of which are contradictory to each other. Every individual’s life, like Jordan’s and Heer’s, is deeply affected, even traumatized by these societal prejudices and constrictions. Rockstar makes one realize, again, that while music and love go beyond any physical boundary or rules, the human world loves to confine individuals until they break down beyond recognition. 

Even after 13 years, the movie earned over ₹5 Crores more than its 2011 release collections. Such an overwhelming response is credited to the makers, the content, the music, and the performances, instead of any marketing or promotions. The resurgence of Rockstar proves that content is the winner and good cinema attracts people and lives in their hearts and minds long after its release.

Article Courtesy of Neha Jha

Feature Image Credit to Eros International via TimeOut