Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, featuring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, has hit the theaters. If you’re thinking about watching it, remember that it’s directed by Karan Johar, so you can expect to see his signature elements throughout the film. From extravagant sets and stunning locations to melodious songs, impactful dialogues, and a unique approach to romance, the movie is likely to embody Karan Johar’s distinctive style.
One scene that perfectly showcases Karan Johar’s style is when our main characters visit an old Delhi Akhada. Initially, it appears to be a celebration, but here’s the catch – the Akhada’s essence quickly transforms as the ‘Jhumka’ song begins, and it seamlessly transitions into a vibrant dance stage. The sudden shift from the traditional Akhada setting to a lively dance performance captures Karan Johar’s unique approach to storytelling and his knack for infusing grandeur into the scenes.
I’m sharing this with you so that you can be prepared for what’s in store when you watch the movie. Once you embrace this aspect, there’s plenty of entertainment to be enjoyed. The film revolves around the two main characters, Rocky portrayed by Ranveer Singh, who is a Punjabi, and Rani played by Alia Bhatt, who hails from a Bengali background. Despite facing opposition from their families, they make a bold decision to spend three months with each other’s families before tying the knot. This decision sets the stage for various comedic and heartfelt moments as the story unfolds.
Indeed, there exists a significant contrast between Rocky and Rani’s cultures and upbringings. This stark difference becomes the foundation for the film’s comedic elements and also serves as a vehicle to convey important social messages. However, the storyline I shared earlier is just a simplified version of the plot. As the movie progresses, you’ll witness a more nuanced exploration of their cultural disparities, which not only adds humor but also offers insightful reflections on societal themes. So, be prepared for an engaging and multi-dimensional narrative that delves into the complexities of relationships and the broader social context.
Despite appearing like a Typical Bollywood love story at first glance, ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’ sets itself apart by placing significant emphasis on the family members. Unlike typical movies where the main couple takes center stage, leaving the rest of the family as mere background characters, this film takes a different approach. No, Rocky and Rani are not the sole focus. Instead, the movie intricately weaves together the lives of all the family members, highlighting their unique personalities, challenges, and interactions. This thoughtful blend of characters and their dynamics creates an enjoyable and engaging cinematic experience, making it more than just a usual romantic tale.
The film’s viewpoint comes across as immature, and the characters are portrayed in an exaggerated manner. The writers heavily rely on simple clichés to drive the storyline, which affects the overall depth of the narrative. Dharmendra’s depiction as a man with poetic sensibilities in a business-oriented family appears unnecessarily comical. As for Jaya Bachchan’s Dhanlakshmi, her character seems reminiscent of Amitabh Bachchan’s roles in Mohabbatein, but the execution lacks consistency, particularly in the first half of the film.
Although the movie features several classic songs in the background, the chemistry between Dharmendra and Shabana fails to capture any enchantment. The romantic connection between Ranveer and Alia is slightly better, but Karan Johar’s reliance on kisses to generate chemistry appears peculiar. Both Ranveer and Alia would have benefited from more genuine lines and a better haircut to allow their natural charisma and energy to shine. Additionally, Alia’s deep expressions don’t seem to align well with the shallow dialogues she’s been given.
The portrayal of Rani, the hard-nosed journalist, tends to fall into a superficial stereotype, as she is dressed in typical chiffon saris, reminiscent of traditional Bollywood heroines. Even before her confrontation with a boorish politician, the movie introduces her from a perspective that focuses on her back and deep-neck blouse, perpetuating an unequal gaze. Similarly, Ranveer also faces objectification in the film.
Ranveer Singh flawlessly embodies flamboyance, making him the ideal choice for the role of Rocky. His exuberance may be somewhat toned down, but it still emanates a steady and tightly coiled energy that adds to the captivating nature of his performance.
Alia Bhatt delivers an exceptional portrayal of a confident young woman who fearlessly embraces her beliefs and fearlessly confronts imperfections, both within herself and in those around her. She truly shines as the standout star of the show.
In summary, the movie’s shortcomings lie in its character development, perspective, and romantic chemistry. The writers could have invested more effort in creating well-rounded characters and believable romantic connections. Additionally, the unequal gaze, which objectifies both male and female characters, remains a persistent issue throughout the film. All things considered, the movie falls short of expectations and is ultimately disappointing in its execution.
