Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, directed by the celebrated Karan Johar, marks his much-awaited return to the director’s chair after a gap of seven years since the release of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. As the anticipation and excitement fly high, the film promises to deliver a classic masala entertainer filled with grandeur, emotions, and captivating dance numbers. However, while it does embrace the trademark Karan Johar style, the movie also falls prey to some glaring flaws that hinder its full potential.
Story: Rocky Aur Rani Kii Perm Kahaani Movie Review
The film revolves around the lives of two characters, Rocky Randhawa (Ranveer Singh) and Rani Chatterjee (Alia Bhatt), who hail from entirely different backgrounds. From the very beginning, the audience is introduced to the contrasting Randhawa and Chatterjee families, setting the stage for a gripping family drama.
The narrative is interwoven with a heartfelt attempt to reunite their respective grandparents, Kanwal (Dharmendra) and Jamini (Shabana Azmi), who had an intense love affair back in 1978. Unfortunately, societal norms tore them apart. In a bid to convince their families about their own love, Rocky and Rani make a daring decision to switch households for three months. What follows is an array of challenges, emotions, and unexpected self-discoveries.
Screenplay: Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani Movie Review
While the movie boasts an ensemble of talented actors and rich settings, it struggles with pacing issues. The first half of the film tends to meander, taking too long to set the stage for the actual romance to blossom. Some viewers might find it challenging to remain engaged during this stretched-out segment.
Additionally, the development of Rocky and Rani’s love story feels rushed and lacks the depth required to establish a strong emotional connection with the audience. As a result, the authenticity of their affection and passion is often questioned.
However, the movie manages to redeem itself in the second half, where the narrative gains momentum, offering a compelling blend of intense emotions and witty humor. Karan Johar’s directorial prowess shines through as he adeptly handles the emotional rollercoaster of love, family, and societal expectations.
The film’s screenplay, co-written by Ishita Moitra, Shashank Khaitan, and Sumit Roy, carries some poignant and thought-provoking dialogues. Unfortunately, it also falls prey to the trap of poorly executed humor and forced one-liners, failing to evoke genuine laughter.
One aspect that raises concerns is the portrayal of certain communities in a stereotypical manner. The depiction of Punjabis as loud and uncivil, and Bengalis as overly educated intellectuals feels outdated and perpetuates clichés that should be avoided in modern storytelling.
Moreover, the movie attempts to tackle various social issues such as patriarchy, misogyny, and feminism, but the continuous preaching sessions throughout the film can be overwhelming. While addressing these important topics is commendable, their repetitive nature and excessive focus on social messaging detract from the film’s core essence as a love story and family drama.
Cast Performance: Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani Movie Review
The performances by the cast deserve accolades, with Ranveer Singh effortlessly slipping into the flamboyant Punjabi character, and Alia Bhatt impressing as the ambitious and educated Rani. The chemistry between the two actors is evident in the emotionally charged scenes, making their altercations feel real and relatable.
The supporting cast, including veterans like Jaya Bachchan, Dharmendra, and Shabana Azmi, enrich the film with their seasoned performances. Their portrayals of complex characters add depth and authenticity to the family dynamics depicted on screen.
Music: Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani Movie Review
The music of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is another highlight, with a mix of energetic party tracks and soulful melodies that leave a lasting impact. The film also pays homage to classic Bollywood songs, invoking a sense of nostalgia and celebrating the timeless charm of Hindi music.
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is a grand cinematic spectacle that blends emotions, drama, and glamour. While it successfully captures the essence of Karan Johar’s signature style, the film falls short due to its sluggish pacing, stereotypical portrayals, and an overdose of social messaging.
Despite its flaws, the movie offers moments of brilliance and showcases the director’s ability to create engaging family dramas. With its talented cast and captivating music, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is still a worthy watch for fans of Karan Johar’s brand of cinema.