Mumbai: The award-winning film' Rockumentary- Evolution of Indian Rock', written and directed by Abhimanyu Kukreja, is set to be released on March 5 this year on selected PVR screens.
The documentary film narrates Rock-n-Roll Music's growth in India despite stiff cultural resistance from its rich heritage and dominance of Bollywood. It examines the societal shifts that led to Rock's gradual acceptance from post-independence years when it was considered 'counter-cultural' in India. The movie analyses Indian Rock from the roots; from big bands of the 1930s and pioneers of the genre in the 1960s to 80s and today's rock stars.
It also highlights the hardships faced by its artists in 1960s-80s and the circumstances which led to the blossom of the genre in the Indian subcontinent. The Rock increased the fertility for Indie Rock and Sufi music to grow in India. The film explains why renowned artists Sting, Robert Plant and Iron Maiden found India appreciative for their music, art and creativity.
Through interviews with veterans and current rock stars, who were part of Rock music's evolution in India, the movie relates how Indian Rock music is loved and enjoyed by millions of fans globally. Forty bands were selected for the interviews based on their contribution to Rock India from independence to contemporary India.
The film further includes the mission-driven entrepreneurial promotions across the country in its earliest days through record labels, magazines, pubs, contest venues and theatres.
In 2019, the movie won awards at Calcutta International Film Festival, Cult Critic Movie Awards and Jaipur International Film Festival.