Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani Review: Karan Johar returns in his top form, writes a sweet love letter with Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt

By Tanmayi Savadi

on July 27, 2023 11:35:41 PM

Film: Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani

Cast: Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt

Director: Karan Johar

Rating: 4.5 moons

Karan Johar is back and how! With his directorial comeback, he sets the benchmark high for entertaining films in Indian cinema. Weaving a ‘prem kahaani’ with the generation’s two most stunning and incredibly talented stars, Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, he blends humour, drama, love, longing, and sacrifice with doses of equality, feminism, dreams and desires. Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is valid proof of what a maverick Karan Johar is when it comes to telling family and love stories. This prem kahaani is about Rocky Randhawa (Ranveer Singh), a large-hearted, flirtatious Punjabi who is unapologetically loud and unfiltered; Rani (Alia Bhatt) is more polished, educated and an independently fierce Bengali girl. When these ‘2 states’ meet for a partnership, explosions are bound to happen. Also, a ‘family switch’.

The first half of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is loaded with whistle-worthy dialogues, hilarious punch lines by Rocky that land correctly, Rani’s fiercest avatar and, of course, a sweet parallel love track that will live rent-free for decades to come. Karan’s ability to tap into the unexplored depths of the heart makes this family rom-com unique and special. Paying an ode to his 25 years' experience and reminding fans of his true potential as a director with references to his previous films, he makes sure the audience leaves the theatre with the widest smile and moist eyes.

Written by Shashank Khaitan, Ishita Moitra and Sumit Roy, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani has the most unexpected jokes and plot points. Smashing patriarchy and advocating equality in a relationship and marriage, it isn’t just another run-of-the-mill rom-com. Every character gets redemption by the end of the film. Having said so, none of them are shown pure and flawless. There’s beauty in imperfection and the message is delivered beautifully.

Ranveer Singh in the most Ranveer Singhest way is the highlight. There is depth in his Rocky who might not be the most sophisticated man but has the biggest and kindest heart. Be it humour, looking incredibly sexy or moving people to tears, he does it effortlessly. ‘Bebs’ Ranveer’s ‘this side’ is completely natural and there’s no objectification in checking him out!

Alia Bhatt represents the women of today. Modern, independent, and ambitious. Rani has a voice of her own and Alia pulls it off with the right balance of innocence and sternness. She’s more than just a pretty-looking Karan Johar-Manish Malhotra heroine. Khela Hobe and in khela, she wins. Contrary to preconceived notions, the Ranveer-Alia chemistry sets the screen on fire. Their lip locks have passion, eyes have depth and love has respect. Karan gives an applaud-worthy twist to Dola Re Dola and what a phenomenal sequence enacted by Ranveer and Tota. It is also a tight slap on gender discrimination.

Dharmendra and Shabana Azmi are the soul of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. The old-school beauty, effortlessness and screen presence add a lot of weight to the film. Jaya Bachchan excels in the role of a super arrogant matriarch. She’s got some superb dialogues! Tota Roy Choudhary, Churni Ganguly, Kshiti Jog, Aamir Bashir and Anjali Anand pull off their characters with equal ease.

Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’s cinematography is stellar and so are the set designs. Pritam’s songs fit the narrative seamlessly. It is a must-watch with the entire family. After all, our beloved KJo is back!