Karan Johar is finally back on the big screen after seven years with Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.
His last full-fledged release was Ae Dil Hai Mushki in 2016.
Not just him but Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is also an important movie for Ranveer Singh who has delivered back-to-back flops, the last being Cirkus.
Almost three hours in length, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is another family drama in the guise of a romantic comedy by Johar (typical).
Is it any different (or better) from his previous hits?
Read my Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani review to find out.
What is the Story of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani?
After finding out that his grandfather’s fading memory can come back if he meets his lost love, Rocky tracks his lover to Rani’s grandmother.
In the quest of uniting the couple, Rocky and Rani fall for each other.
However, the lovebirds soon realize that Rocky’s orthodox Punjabi family and Rani’s progressive Bengali household are no match for each other.
Directed by Karan Johar, RRKPK stars Ranveer Singh (Rocky), Alia Bhatt (Rani), Aamir Bashir, Dharmendra, Shabana Azmi, and others.
What Works for Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani?
The trailer gave us an impression of the movie being a tiring family drama. But there is more than what meets the eye in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.
It shines a spotlight on progressive changes, highlighting the need for a more equitable lifestyle for both men and women.
By addressing societal issues like gender roles and discrimination, racism, body shaming, patriarchy, etc., the film presents a thought-provoking and relevant commentary on the world we live in today.
I think Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is the farthest Karan has ever gone in this realm.
Moreover, the film’s humor, particularly in the first half, adds an enjoyable and light-hearted touch to the story.
Though some one-liners get cheesy like Garden of the Galaxy (drawing equivalence to Guardians of Galaxy) and “Ghajni aur Sajni ka milan,” the situational comedy makes up for it, leaving the audience genuinely amused.
How is the Storyline?
If you set aside the first half, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani has a highly satiable storyline. Overall, I would say it is well above average.
The first half is overloaded with music, which feels too much to endure. Every now and then you have a modern voice filling in for an old song. It’s like putting too much sugar in a dessert just to make it sweet.
And sitting through the “Heartthrob” song, where several young heroines (Jahnvi Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan, Ananya Panday) embrace Ranveer’s arms, I wanted to criticize the movie for its poor lyrical value.
Thankfully, the film makes up for it with better songs later on when the use of classic tracks and well-composed original pieces enhances its nostalgic impact.
Sometimes, it feels like even Johar knows the truth about the poor music and he has used old songs as a coverup.
How is the Drama?
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani never loses its grip on the audience’s attention.
Fueled by dramatic moments, the film maintains its entertainment value throughout, ensuring that the viewers are fully engrossed in the story.
One thing you can rest assured of is that Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani will never bore you. It has the entertainment value of commercial cinema, catapulted by dramatic moments.
What About the Second Half?
Finally, the part I wanted to discuss the most. Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani has one of the best second halves of any recently released Bollywood movie.
It is an absolute triumph, establishing Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani as one of the best family dramas in recent Bollywood history.
The drama is so stimulating that there was a time when SBOBET I was so hooked to the screen that I forgot where my phone was and it fell as soon as I made the next movement.
Yes, it is strange coming from someone who is too careful in enclosed settings.
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani engrosses you with drama and emotional depth, holding your attention with every moment on the screen.
And, the Climax?
Johar executes the climax to perfection, adding a mass appeal to the film, and making it an emotionally gratifying experience.
Unlike Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, which relied on the first half, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani demonstrates more of Karan’s abilities in the second half.
He gets the climax right, once again. And I mean it to the core. It is for the masses, trust me.
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is for everyone in India who think women need to be tied to a lever.
PS: I still don’t know which road is so empty in Delhi where you can romance in the middle. There is no space to drive here, dude.
How are the Performances?
Alia Bhatt’s performance in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is nothing short of phenomenal. She completely embodies her character, living every moment on screen with genuine emotion.
Her portrayal is awe-inspiring, setting her apart from her contemporaries in the Indian film industry.
Alia’s impeccable delivery of dialogues and vocal intonations, adds depth to the story, leaving a lasting impact on the audience. And who can ignore her mesmerizing screen presence?
As Rocky Randhawa, Ranveer Singh brings charisma and magnetism to the table. His portrayal is filled with an infectious energy that enhances the film’s overall charm.
From his unique style and countryside countenance to the authentic portrayal of a rich man, Ranveer’s performance adds a distinctive vibe to Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.
Jaya Bachchan’s depiction of an angry character is a highlight of the movie. Her performance adds depth and intensity to the narrative, enriching the emotional dynamics of the story.
With her impeccable acting prowess, Jaya Bachchan proves once again why she is a true asset to the film industry.
In a smaller role as a bedridden forlorn lover, Dharmendra shines brightly.
He has limited screen time, but still leaves a lasting effect with his emotive performance, contributing significantly to the film’s sentimental core.
Aamir Bashir delivers a superb performance as a mostly egoistic and angry father. He adds complexity to the character, bringing depth to the family dynamics.
What Doesn’t Work for Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani?
The film has too much music and even the retro songs feel over the top in the beginning. Add to it the typical clichéd comedy style that Johar is known for.
Further, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani relies on excessive emotions, which might be a tad too much for a minor cine-going audience, although the execution is classy.
Should You Watch Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani?
At its core, the movie presents a refreshing blend of romance and family dynamics, exploring progressive ideas and challenging societal norms.
If this suits your idea of a good movie, I will highly recommend it.
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