Soamz,
It is not only false ceiling which thunders, there will be other things in the room which could face a similar situation like the loose placed things like a glass, bottle, room decor items, etc. These thunders are in a way good because it does add to a extent the power of low frequencies backed with acoustics.
Please be assured you will not regret a false ceiling, you can consider the various ways by which others have done and then there are acoustic type of tiles too.
It is a very good idea that you are considering a good lighting set up, especially if you go for dimmer and fading options.
V.