Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani” is a captivating family drama that brings together the flamboyant and vibrant Rocky, a Punjabi boy, and the well-educated Bengali television news anchor, Rani, in a tale of love and opposites attracting. As their families oppose their relationship, Rocky and Rani devise a plan to live in each other’s homes for three months, setting the stage for an entertaining and meaningful journey.
A Colourful Entertainer with a Message
The film opens with a dazzling dance number featuring Bollywood stars like Varun Dhawan, Sara Ali Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, and Ananya Pandey alongside Ranveer Singh, setting the tone for a vibrant and light-hearted cinematic experience. “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani” boasts all the signature elements of a Karan Johar film, but beyond the glitz and glamour lies a deeper message. Subtly woven into the narrative are themes addressing patriarchy, gender bias, misogyny, body shaming, and cancel culture prevalent in society.
The Tale Unfolds
Rocky Randhawa (Ranveer Singh), the spirited scion of a successful family mithai magnate, seeks to trigger the memories of his amnesiac grandfather Kanwal (Dharmendra) by reconnecting him with a woman from his past, Jamini Chatterjee (Shabana Azmi), who is also Rani’s (Alia Bhatt) thakuma (grandmother). As fate would have it, Rocky crosses paths with the intellectual and cultured Rani, and despite their dramatic personality differences, love blossoms over song, dance, and witty one-liners.
Clashing Cultures and Judgments
“Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani” delves into the clash of cultures and personalities, shedding light on how people can be judgmental and dismissive of each other. The film is replete with melodrama and emotional moments, all presented in KJo’s signature extravagant style.
A Musical Extravaganza
An out-and-out musical spectacle, the movie’s highlights include a medley of Bollywood classics interwoven with an old-world rendezvous and Rocky-Rani’s modern-day romance. The film is sprinkled with self-references, with Jaya Bachchan’s character echoing iconic lines from other KJo movies, delighting fans.
Impressive Performances
Ranveer Singh shines as Rocky, a loud yet loving and sensitive Punjabi, who grapples with gender equality due to societal conditioning. He effortlessly delivers the film’s funniest one-liners and handles his character arc with finesse. Alia Bhatt impresses as Rani, a fiery and self-assured woman, though some critics note her Bengali accent could have been more polished. Jaya Bachchan portrays her character with prowess, seamlessly transitioning from a docile wife in “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” to a dominating matriarch in this film. Shabana Azmi delivers a perfect performance, adeptly shifting between Bengali and Hindi accents. Dharmendra stands out in his impactful role, while Aamir Bashir delivers a powerful performance as Rocky’s misogynistic father.
Music and Cinematography
Pritam’s music is striking, featuring standout tracks like “What Jhumka?” and “Dhindhora Baja Re,” alongside the romantic melody “Tum Kya Mile.” The songs are beautifully shot, and the inclusion of a surprise redux of “Dola Re Dola” adds to the film’s appeal. Manush Nandan’s cinematography captures the glamour and shine of every scene. While the film is visually stunning, some question Rani’s wardrobe choices as a television news anchor.
A Well-Wrapped Entertaining Love Story
“Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani” takes time to set up its story in the first half, which some viewers may find slow. However, the film gains pace in the second half, delivering plenty of laughs. Though the plot is not overly complex and the climax is predictable, the movie strikes a chord with its heartwarming narrative. Towards the end, the film subtly depicts the winds of change as Rocky’s parents seek Rani’s hand in marriage, emphasizing the importance of accepting change and embracing progressive values.
Conclusion
“Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani” is an engaging and glitzy love story that also conveys a powerful message. The film’s lively characters, peppy music, and captivating performances make it an entertaining watch for Bollywood enthusiasts. With its subtle yet impactful social commentary, the movie serves as a reminder of the significance of love and family values in today’s world.