Shillong, Nov. 12: Hoi Kiw, a battle shout of a unified crowd from the song Pyrta Shnong, which features in Rock On 2, has personified the art of fusion.

Rock On 2, which to a large extent is about blending the diversity that exists, was released worldwide yesterday and movie buffs here thronged the theatres to watch the film that has a large dose of "mesmerising Meghalaya" in it.

In some cinema halls, people were heard chanting Hoi Kiw as the Shillong-based band Summersalt, along with Usha Uthup, took centrestage to perform Pyrta Shnong - a blend of Khasi music and that of Bollywood.

Pyrta Shnong is the grand public announcement system of the Khasi people, though it is a lost art in towns and villages now. The song starts and ends with Hoi Kiw. Speaking to The Telegraph, Summersalt band member Greg Nongrum, who plays the electric guitar, said, " Rock On 2 is an experience we needed to take the music of the Khasi hills to places. With more than 4,000 theatres across the globe showing the movie, it is gratifying to tell the story of Meghalaya to the world."

The band was in Mumbai for the film's premiere. Pynsuk Syiemiong, the band's lead vocalist, said, "To attend the premiere in Mumbai and hear the entire theatre shout Hoi Kiw is a very rare experience. We are proud to be born and raised in the Khasi hills."

"We had an incredible experience. But we should keep on writing good songs and create good music," said Baiaineh Shangpliang, the band's bass guitarist.

For Kitkupar Shangpliang aka Kit, the song can open up opportunities for the Khasi language to find a place in the Eighth Schedule. "The other day, we heard people talking about how the song might go a long way to urge our scholars to rekindle the issue of including the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule. We never thought that the song could go a long way to bring about language security, but if it does, it's an honour," he said.

Expressing gratitude to the people of the Northeast and Bollywood for their support in realising the richness of Khasi culture, Kit said, "We also thank our fans in India and abroad."

Apart from Summersalt, another notable feature in the film was Albert Mawrie, a Khasi actor, who did well. There was also a touch of Lakyrsiew Tea, an organic brand of tea produced in the Khasi hills.

Amid the fusion, does Rock On 2 have a mesmerising effect?

Rica Lamar, a medical practitioner, who watched the film today, said: "Representation of the beauty of Meghalaya and its folk music was the highlight of the film. But the storyline was disappointing."

Filmmaker Pradip Kurbah said Rock On 2 was one of the much-anticipated films this year. "Even though it released at a time when the country is facing the challenge of currency crunch, we watched it on Friday. But the script disheartened those who entered the theatre with its prequel in mind," he said. "It is evident that Meghalaya serves no purpose for the maker/s beyond the picture-postcard visuals it offers. Regarding the issue of disaffection towards the entire Northeast by the rest of India, Rock On 2 could have been the bridge to gap this unfriendliness," Kurbah added.

However, for Kurbah, the scene of final concert in Shillong, especially for Summersalt's Pyrta Shnong, was the most enjoyable part of the film. Hoi Kiw!