The Indian film industry’s growing interest in documentaries has been reignited after the success of Angry Young Men – a spotlight on legendary screenwriters Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar – and The Romantics, which celebrates the life and legacy of Bollywood filmmaker Yash Chopra.
The trend continues with The Roshans, a Netflix documentary on one of Hindi cinema’s most talented families, spanning three generations – musician Roshan Lal Nagrath, his sons, music composer Rajesh Roshan and director-actor Rakesh Roshan, and Rakesh’s son, actor Hrithik Roshan.
Packed with interviews, family photos and iconic scenes from films, the series recounts the life stories of the four men across four engaging episodes, each titled on a song composed by the family.
The obvious flaw is that the documentary does not dwell much on the missteps and failures of the Roshans or the “nepotism” that involves the family. But if you ignore that, it is irresistibly entertaining.
The first episode, titled after Nagrath’s timeless song Rahe Na Rahe Hum, offers a captivating glimpse into the maestro’s life and work.
“His music and orchestration had a class,” notes singer Sonu Nigam, underscoring the genius behind timeless classics like Jo Vaada Kiya Woh Nibhaana Padega and Laaga Chunri Mein Daag.
The admiration for the Roshans is evident through the voices of legends, such as late singer Lata Mangeshkar, filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali and singers Asha Bhosle and Kumar Sanu, who praise the quartet for their work. As screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar remarks: “They neither blew their own trumpet, nor did anyone else blow it for them.”
The second episode on Rajesh, the man who gave great melodies, such as Bhool Gaya Sab Kuch and Yaad Nahin Ab Kuch, features a range of interviews, varying in depth and insight, while the third episode on Rakesh offers valuable insights into how the actor-turned-director perceived cinema as a medium to transport audiences to another world: “We take people to a world which they cannot see otherwise.”
Iconic Rakesh films like Karan Arjun, Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai, Koi... Mil Gaya and Krrish are rightfully highlighted – but the series steers clear of addressing instances when his creative instincts faltered.
The fourth episode, dedicated to Hrithik and titled Koi... Mil Gaya, focuses on his 2003 blockbuster debut and his transformation into India’s first superhero with Krrish. However, it noticeably glosses over his string of flops following Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai and omits any meaningful insight into his personal life.
Sometimes The Roshans appear overly dramatic. But overall the documentary, which ranks No. 4 among all Netflix shows in India, provides a heartwarming and nostalgic experience.
Rakesh felt the series has done exceptionally well. He told tabla!: “I am truly overwhelmed by the incredible response to the series. In my filmmaking career, which spans 17 films, I have never received such a wave of positive messages and appreciation. The warmth and love from audiences around the world have been humbling, and it is deeply gratifying to see how the series has resonated with so many.”
