Film:
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
Film: Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
Duration: 2 hours 48 minutes
Director: Karan Johar
Starcast: Alia Bhatt, Ranveer Singh, Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan & Shabana Azmi
Platform: Theatres
Bollywood Bubble Rating: 4/5 stars
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani Review
Ever since Karan Johar announced his big Bollywood directorial comeback, the audience has been eagerly waiting to watch Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. Starring Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh in the lead roles along with Jaya Bachchan, Dharmendra, and Shabana Azmi, the film promised to be a larger-than-life family entertainer. And well, if we have KJo in the director’s chair, we know we are in for a treat. Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is that Bollywood family entertainer we have been waiting for a long time. The film is based on Rocky Randhawa, a loud and flamboyant Punjabi boy, and Rani Chatterjee, an intellectual Bengali journalist. After facing family opposition to their relationship, they decide to live with each other’s families for three months before getting married. How this family switch goes is what the story further entails.
Storyline
The 2 hours 48 minutes long film begins with Rocky Randhawa’s (Ranveer Singh) introduction as the Punjabi of the Year. He’s the heir of one of Delhi’s biggest & richest business families – The Randhawas. But Rocky is highly controlled by his grandmother & the owner of their entire business – Dhanalakshmi Randhawa (Jaya Bachchan). Rocky’s grandfather (Dharmendra), however, has a short-term memory loss problem & has only one wish – to meet Jamini (Shabana Azmi). Rocky sets out on a mission to find Jamini who happens to be the grandmother of Rani Chatterjee (Alia Bhatt). What starts off as matchmaking between Rocky & Rani actually turns into a blooming romance but not without major ups & downs. What happens next is a series of events that make Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani a success!
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is not your typical love story. It’s filled with love, emotions & sentiments but not without a very important and powerful social message on patriarchy that has been followed for years in our society. Karan Johar has woven a beautiful message very subtly in this love story.
Watch the trailer while reading Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani Review
Performances
The performance of each & every actor in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is the backbone of the film. Alia Bhatt steals the show as the independent, vibrant & fiery Rani Chatterjee. She gives life to her character and lights up the screen each time she appears. But it’s Ranveer Singh who actually takes the cake as Punjabi munda Rokcy Randhawa. He balances the film on his shoulders like a pro. He is relatable & how! It wouldn’t be wrong to call this one of his career-best performances. Alia & Ranveer’s chemistry is another reason to watch Rocky & Rani’s incredible Prem Kahaani.
Shabana Azmi, Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan, Churni Ganguly & Tota Roy Chowdhury give the perfect support to the film. And well, Shabana & Dharmendra even match up to Alia & Ranveer’s magical romance. The cameos in the film add to the punch & entertainment.
Technical Aspect
Karan Johar’s direction is near-perfect. The filmmaker, known to showcase the magic of romance like no other, has made sure to bring the typical Dharma vibe in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani as well. He has brilliantly blended love and family emotions together. Because in the end, it’s all about loving our family, isn’t it? Written by Ishita Moitra, Shashank Khaitan, & Sumit Roy, the film’s storyline is interesting and has a good mix of entertainment and romance.
The dialogues are phenomenally written. Cinematographer Manush Nandan has done his job like a pro, the locations of Delhi and Kashmir couldn’t have looked prettier. Nitin Baid’s editing could have been crispier though. Kudos to Pritam Da for the fantastic music. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the music is the heartbeat of this romantic drama. Tum Kya Mile, What Jhumka?, Ve Kamleya, and Dhindhora Baje Re are chartbusters already. Hats off to Manish Malhotra for making Alia look impeccable in gorgeous chiffon sarees designed by him. In fact, every single cast member’s costumes are apt and match the tone of their roles.
What’s great about the Karan Johar directorial
Alia Bhatt & Ranveer Singh’s crackling chemistry: Alia and Ranveer are natural actors and there are no two ways about it. What works the most for Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is the duo’s crackling chemistry and how they manage to capture the essence of the film with their effortless romance.
Strong performances: Not only Alia & Ranveer but the entire ensemble star cast has done a great job in the film. Be it Jaya Bachchan’s stern expressions throughout the movie or Dharam Ji & Shabana Azmi’s adorable chemistry, the entire star cast has delivered strong performances.
Music: The music of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani has been trending ever since the first song Tum Kya Mile released. All the tracks have made space in the top trending music list. The songs match the exciting and romantic energy of the film and are a treat to watch. Not only the official songs of the film but there are some old Bollywood classics that are perfectly embedded in the storyline.
Social Message: If you thought Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani only has love, drama and emotions then hey, you’re wrong. KJo’s powerful film also talks about a very important social message but I am not going to ruin it for you by giving it out. Go, watch it for yourself.
Drawbacks of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani:
Representation: Everything in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is near-perfect but what bothered me a little was the representation of Punjabis in the movie. As a Punjabi myself, I can vouch for the fact that Punjabis are definitely not as orthodox as shown in the film. In fact, it’s one of the only Indian cultures that celebrates equality more than ever. And our mothers & grandmothers are definitely not wearing a pallu on their heads 24/7.
Conclusion
If you want to watch an out-and-out family entertainer this weekend, then Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is the suitable film for you. It definitely brings back the nostalgia of the magical romantic era of Karan Johar’s cinema. It is a heartwarming story that is high on love & entertainment. And hey Karan Johar, can I please request you to direct more often? Please!
Also Read: 5 reasons why Alia Bhatt & Ranveer Singh’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani Jodi is a hit one!
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Film & Fashion Journalist | Bombay
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