BOTTOM LINE
Legacy Tales That Play Too Safe
PLATFORM
NETFLIX
Run Time
4 Episodes, ~3 Hours
What Is the Show About?
Directed by Shashi Ranjan, The Roshans is a documentary capturing the legacy of the Roshan family in the Hindi film industry, tracing the career trajectories of yesteryear film composer Roshan, actor-director Rakesh Roshan, composer Rajesh Roshan and contemporary star Hrithik Roshan. Across four episodes, the narrative casts a spotlight on the defining moments in their eventful journeys.
Analysis
It’s heartening how the Hindi film fraternity is realising the need to celebrate the life stories of stalwarts who occupy a crucial spot in the bylanes of history (when they are alive and kicking) through the documentary form – with efforts like The Romantics, Angry Young Men and The Roshans.
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While a lot about the legacy of the Chopras and Salim-Javed has been well dissected over the years, The Roshans fills a void and gives due to a family, some of whose significant contributions have been forgotten by the mainstream media and the public to a large extent.
The Roshans is clear and straightforward about what it sets out to do – focusing on the cinematic milestones of four members from a family (spanning three generations) in as many episodes. Aided by inputs from the biggest names in the industry, the result is fairly engaging and informative, though bland at times.
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Episode 1 – Rahen Na Rahen Hum (Roshan)
Easily the most moving episode of the quartet, it focuses on the musical journey of yesteryear composer Roshan across two decades – from Neki aur Badi (1949) to Anokhi Raat (1968). Some of his signature elements – how he revolutionised the use of qawwalis, his masterly use of the Yaman Kalyan raag, the love for melody and innovative orchestration – find a mention in the segment.
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The valuable insights and anecdotes from the likes of Asha Bhosle, Sudha Malhotra, Usha Mangeshkar, Suman Kalyanpur, Ameen Sayani (before his death) and Javed Akhtar leave you in awe – especially the story of how Indivar and Roshan sat by the waterfalls to create songs. Rightfully, it acknowledges that he didn’t get the credit he deserved despite being a musical genius.
Episode 2 – Thoda Hai Thode Ki Zaroorat Hai (Rajesh Roshan)
It’s hard to come across names in the industry who’ve wilfully stayed in the backseat, not chasing attention and content with what was offered to them. Despite achieving notable success in films and continuing his father’s legacy, the story of how Rajesh carved his niche as a composer merits a viewing, primarily because the documentary gives him the license to go full-throttle.
Having learnt the ropes of music direction under Laxmikant-Pyarelal, the documentary uncovers various dimensions of the composer – his temperamental issues, the occasional creative differences with his brother, reluctance to approach industry counterparts for work and his love for long notes. Several singers also speak of his gentlemanly quality and his quest for perfection too.
Episode 3 – Nikle The Kahaan Jaane Ke Liye (Rakesh Roshan)
While the career graphs of Roshan and Rajesh Roshan don’t offer much scope for surprises – the episode tracing Rakesh Roshan’s life has the much-needed drama and masala for a quintessential Hindi film lover. From his flamboyant youthful days to the transition post father’s demise, early failures as an actor to his resurgence as a director and a battle with cancer – you can’t ask for a pulpier story.
The contrasting opinions of Honey Irani and Anupam Kher lend a new angle to the episode. While the former insists Rakesh was an experimental actor, Kher opines he played it too safe. The best part of the episode deals with Rakesh’s self-realisation as an actor and his desire to prove his worth across various roles, besides laying a strong foundation for Hrithik’s career with three hit films.
Episode 4 – Koi Mil Gaya (Hrithik Roshan)
The challenge with the documentary’s earlier episodes (of the other generations of Roshans) was to give it contemporary relevance. However, with Hrithik Roshan’s segment, the bottleneck is to present an unknown dimension to the star. While it starts well – revolving around his childhood, physical limitations and overnight success – it loses direction over time, lacking focus.
It’s disappointing that Hrithik’s journey is reduced to three films directed by his father – Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai, Koi Mil Gaya and Krrish, with no mention of his early failures and how he struck a fine balance between box office pull and evolution as a performer. While Rakesh Roshan’s episode was appreciably unafraid to throw light on his demerits, this one plays too safe to impress.
Final verdict: The Roshans is a worthy attempt to trace the cinematic journeys of an iconic family and their contributions in music, film direction and acting. In terms of storytelling, it may have pushed for more novelty, asked more pressing questions, for the trajectories get too predictable at times. It could’ve accommodated more space to discuss the not-so-rosy side to their lives openly, ensuring relatability. Yet, the documentary is a commendable effort that takes you through important chapters in the annals of Hindi cinema.
Highlights?
Wide variety of inputs
The focus on Roshan and Rajesh Roshan
The live-recreation of crucial moments in the personality’s lives
Drawbacks?
Doesn’t discuss the limitations of the personalities enough
The bland episode on Hrithik Roshan
Straightforward, predictable storytelling
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, for a Hindi film buff
The Roshans Netflix Review by M9
