Soundtrack is based on the true story of a prolific Indian musician portrayed by Rajeev Khandelwal as Ronak Kaul. He inherits his love for music from his father and in order to make it big in the music world begins as a DJ in a big-time club, Tango Charlie, owned by Charlie (Mohan Kapoor). Moving around with right people at the right time gives him an early opportunity to work with filmmaker Anurag Kashyap in his film. But, destiny has something else in store for him as excessive consumption of drugs, alcohol and most importantly loud music all the time gets him completely deaf. He is into deep depression until Gauri (Soha Ali Khan), a deaf since birth, enters his life as a ray of hope. Now, will Ronak ever hear again and fulfill his dreams or will he overcome his weakness and emerge as a winner is a real interesting watch. Story Treatment: A film by a debutant filmmaker isn’t just rich in content but in execution too. The opening shot where Ronak is introduced and his passion for music is revealed, says a lot about how brilliantly story is going to unfold further. His slow indulgence in the world of drugs, again, comes out finely, considering his strong inclination towards alcohol. The crisp screenplay doesn’t let your eyeballs move off the screen even for a second. The transition from the party to tragic mood and then, to some soothing light moments, with no loopholes, makes Soundtrack, one of the flawless films ever made.
Star Cast: Rajeev Khandelwal yet again proves his acting prowess, as the character of alcohol or a drug addict is so unlike the real sophisticated Rajeev. He springs a surprise with his flawless performance, each time the story unfurls a different side of his character. Soha Ali Khan, too, is refreshing and brilliant as a deaf girl. Mohan Kapoor gets into the skin of his character very well and delivers a fine performance. Mrinalini Sharma as Ronak’s ex-girlfriend plays her part well. Yatin Karyekar gives an honest performance as a caring uncle.
Direction: Neerav Ghosh sets a benchmark with Soundtrack and cries it loud that he is surely here to stay. In no way does the film give a feel of being made by a debutant director. To induce twists with no room for confusion at the same time getting perfect expressions from the actors seems to be a cake walk for this filmmaker. Neerav has taken the creative part seriously with some innovative moments in the film in terms of camera moves and direction. The ‘attempt to suicide’ scene is a perfect example to support the claims.
Music/ Cinematography/ Dialogues/Editing: Music syncs with the temperament of each passing phase of the film but doesn’t impress much, considering the expectations from a musical film. Cinematography is ‘A’ class, in fact quite innovative at some places like catching the lively moments on the streets, railway stations. Dialogues - a combination of some serious tone and humour - surely create an impact. Editing complements the screenplay and does the needful to make the film more engaging. 3 Ups and 3 Downs: Extremely appealing storyline, flawless performances, first time yet brilliant direction are the strengths of the film. Music below expectations, slightly slow-paced initial second half, are the weaknesses.