One doesn’t usually equate Marathi films with rock music. Neither does one expect a Marathi film (or any Indian film for that matter) to dwell on kids and sex. Set to premiere in Singapore on 5 October and followed by a release in India, Marathi film ‘Balak Palak’ (the initial ‘BP’ also has a naughty connotation and is a generic term for porn in India) breaks rules and sets to explore the mysteries of sex in the minds of adolescent youths with the back beat of Marathi rock in the background.

The film revolves around coming-of-age tale of a bunch of adolescent kids who have a whale of a time while trying to discover more about the birds and bees with the backdrop of rock music. It has been directed by adman turned award winning filmmaker Ravi Jadhav, who is a fan of 90s rock music. Jadhav is known for his unconventional approach to subjects and treatment and has films like ‘Natrang’, a movie on traditional folk art of Maharashtra and ‘Balgandharva’, which dwells in classical music, to his credit

In a candid chat with Radioandmusic.com, Jadhav speaks his love for rock music, the musical tastes of Maharashtrians and his forthcoming film ‘Balak Palak’.

Excerpts:

Why have you incorporated rock music of all the genres available for Balak Palak (BP)?

My earlier films had also dealt with various aspects of music. I am a big fan of rock music- from Guns N’ Roses to Nirvana and Pearl Jam- I was also exposed to a lot of rock festivals. I met up with Vishal and Shekhar (music composers Vishal-Shekhar) and we said why not try rock music out for BP. They were also joined by Pentagram’s (Vishal Dadlani’s band) bassist Papal (Mane) for the project. We wanted to introduce rock music in the film.

How does rock music fit in with a Marathi film with kids?

I love rock music and I thought that BP had the right topic for it. The Maharashtrian youth are very futuristic and catch trends and new sounds very quickly so I don’t see why it doesn’t match.

Tell us about the film’s music.

Vishal-Shekhar has done two songs and they (the songs) are about having a blast in life especially for kids who are burdened with things like exams. It has three other songs which are used in the background. We shall be releasing the first song soon.

How well are today's kids acquainted with the topic of sex?

Today’s kids have a lot of questions (regarding sex) in their minds and they are trying to find answers through the Internet, mobile and social networking platforms like Facebook but not getting them, not even from their parents. That’s a big problem.

You have brought in together sex, rock music and kids. Any danger of social backlash?

Rock and sex have always been clubbed together, but rock is also a celebration not just about sex and drugs. If we look at bands like U2 and Metallica, they are not about sex and drugs but fantastic social tools.

What do think about the scenario of the Indian rock music today?

I think rock music is doing great with audience being exposed to international bands on regular basis. Local platforms like Coke Studio are also doing great. The rock market is strong especially in the urban areas but needs to penetrate the rural and interiors.

Maharashtrians know a lot about rock - a number of bands like Indus Creed have their roots in Maharashtra (Mumbai). It’s just that many of them haven’t got into the mainstream. Marathis can rock.