Rock it, Singh

I WASN'T sure if a film with a title like Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year was the representative one to launch the Indian film section of the Dubai International Film Festival. But as it turned out, we need not have worried. Not only was the film entertaining, it ended up being the bearer of a message of hope and entrepreneurial zeal for the younger generation, while hiding it well in a refreshingly entertaining package.

Rising star Ranbir Kapoor plays HP, or Harpreet Singh Bedi, a fresh graduate looking for his first break. Despite his apparent underachiever status, HP is a confident lad, determined to make it in the world of sales. What follows is a simple, but delightful, tale of what happens when one enters the dog-eat-dog world of selling in a oversold world.

Director Shimit Amin beautifully stictches together small anecdotes of humour and nuances of daily life as the film moves along, conveying, effectively, how it is still possible to succeed in a thankless world by remaining true to the eternal principles of goodness, despite the odds seemingly stacked against you.

Ranbir Kapoor as the "Rocket Singh", is impressive and comes across as a surprisingly innocent and true to self young man, bent on making the world a better place by taking people along, choosing not to step on them on his way to the top. The young actor has essayed his role with aplomb, proving he is a worthy heir to the film dynasty he belongs to.

The supporting cast, mostly hitherto unknown actors, play their roles truthfully: Gauhar Khan as the sexy and gutsy receptionist Koena, Mukesh Bhatt as the peon 'Cup Plate' Chhotelal and Santosh as the porn-surfing Technical Support guy. Romantic support is provided by the newcomer Shehnaz Padamsee in a short but cute role.

Prem Chopra plays Bedi's grandfather and provides a notable performance in his portrayal of a Sikh family patriarch. The performance of Puri (Manish Chaudhari), as his sleazy and boss, is worth a mention.

There are no major distractions here, little in terms of song and dance typical of Bollywood films, which makes it refreshing.

The second partnership of Amin and writer Jaideep Sahni deserves kudos for giving us something worth watching this weekend. Like their critcal and commercial hit Chak De! India (2007), their formula of clean, simple and real stories is sure to draw audiences.

I'd still argue Rocket Singh probably wasn't the right film to represent the Indian film industry as a large part of the audience on premiere night, especially those not from the subcontinent, would have expected to see its famous song and dances, legendary melodrama and dressy drawn out weddings.

There's none of that in this one.

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