"Khela Hobe," says Alia Bhatt's Rani Chatterjee in the trailer of Karan Johar's directorial comeback film, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. Loaded with romance, family values, humour and drama, the film co-starring Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan, Shabana Azmi and Ranveer Singh promises to be high on entertainment but in Dharma Productions' distinct style and flavour. The trailer dropped today on YouTube beginning the countdown to the film which is scheduled to release globally on July 28. 

The trailer of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani introduces the audience to Rani Chatterjee, a feisty educated Bengali girl who falls in love with a brash Rocky Randhawa, who is a less-educated Punjabi munda. Their worlds are different but the collision has to happen for their love to come to fruition. The 3 minutes 21 seconds trailer opens with Rani (Alia Bhatt)'s cry, "Kabhi kisiko bolne kyun nahi data tu," as she wants to be heard by Rocky (Ranveer Singh) who is going through his own internal turmoil. The plea so impactful, silences the loud Punjabi boy. We're then taken back in time to showcase what their first meeting looked like.

Rani is a journalist working with India Now. With all grace and dignity, she meets Rocky, who is so full of himself that he feels she's checking out on him. An unconventional meeting becomes the foundation stone of their turbulent love story. Drawing reference from Alia's hilarious goof-up on Koffee With Karan, Rani asks Rocky, "West Bengal India mein kidhar hai?" He replies, "West mein." What a pun! The joke on Shamita Shetty and Bigg Boss is a winner. 

Speaking of opulent sets, Rocky's mansion, named Randhawa Paradise, is lavish and aesthetically done but what resides inside the brightly painted walls is an unknown devil that could likely create obstacles in their love story. The Chatterjees come from a different background and their cultural references vary too. The clash between the Punjabi household and the Bengali clan leads to hilarious interactions. Close-up shots have been used to create tension. Low-angle shots add weight to the characters whereas wide angles give a glimpse of the magnificence. The shot when Alia says 'Khela Hobe' is just so impactful. 

The songs in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani are a vibe. Jhumka picturised on Ranveer and Alia is a peppy new-age song and their costumes go perfectly with it. Ranveer's denim look and Alia's embroidered colourful blouse match the style. The dominant colour in Dhindora is red. It is a colour that symbolises love, rage, drama and joy too. Set against the Durga Puja festival, the picturisation sums up these emotions. Don't miss Ranveer and Alia's passionate liplock! 

In the trailer, Karan indicated what people can expect from Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. It is progressive, and modern yet rooted in Indian culture. The women here are strong, powerful and carry an unmatched aura with them. Be it Rani's grace or Dhanlakshmi (Jaya Bachchan)'s domination, the writing empowers them and it is clap-worthy. Rocky's vulnerable side and comic timing stay back and kudos to Ranveer for making those jokes land perfectly. 

We've often seen couples in a live-in relationships. Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani gives it a new and fun twist. It will be interesting to see what different possibilities the film offers for filmmakers to explore in the future. Rani is a tailor-made role for Alia who lends her innocence and fearlessness to the character. There are layers to her Bong woman who is more than just a pretty face. Ranveer nails the role of Rocky with his quirkiness. The depth of his character appeals the most. 

Let the khela begin on July 28!