'Rocky and Rani ki Prem Kahani' is not one of the greatest or the greatest films. However, it is a movie that delivers more than expected.
"Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani" is a highly interesting film directed by Karan Johar, who is an iconic figure in our minds. We perceive him as a non-serious film personality, despite having directed some blockbuster but problematic films. He collaborated with Shah Rukh Khan and influenced an entire generation's perception of love. He is a significant presence in the film industry, associated with nepotism.
However, in recent years, Karan Johar has critiqued his own created films. But we have dismissed it as just a PR game. Then he goes on to make films like "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani," and after watching the trailer, it's hard not to see it as a trademark Karan Johar film. You even let go of any expectations from the movie. However, "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani" will prove that Karan Johar is no longer the filmmaker known for grand sets, star-studded casts, expensive costumes, and catchy songs. This time, he has made a film that should have been made. Though it cannot be said that "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani" is a perfect film, as perfection is a myth.
The story of "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani" revolves around two individuals living in Delhi who are complete opposites of each other. Rocky Randhawa, a wealthy boy, has never even lit a gas stove in his life. His sole purpose in life is to have fun, which is why he focuses on building his body, wears eccentric clothes, attends parties, and speaks broken English. However, due to his grandfather's bookstore, he crosses paths with Rani Chatterjee, a girl who works as a news channel anchor. Upon meeting Rocky for the first time, Rani bursts into laughter, finding him completely hilarious. Their interactions grow, but Rani does not take it seriously because she believes their families are entirely different and have no common ground. In an attempt to understand each other's families, they launch a three-month exchange program, wherein Rocky stays at Rani's home, and Rani stays at Rocky's.
During these three months, most of the time, comedy prevails. Both their families are not ready to accept them, but slowly things start to unravel, which initially seems like a step towards improvement. The first half concludes, and then the real picture begins. Nowadays, judgment is as quick as making instant noodles. It takes just two minutes to decide, following the concept of cancel culture. A ninja technique based on external appearance and assumptions to exclude someone. You won't believe that Karan Johar's "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani" addresses these issues.
For years, things have been running in families out of fear, which is sold under the guise of respect. The head of Rocky's family is a woman. However, patriarchy is so deeply ingrained in our system that despite being in a position of power, she also promotes the same system. The film addresses how body shaming can affect someone's mental state and how the English language can socially elevate a person. "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani" critically examines these subjects and not only touches the surface but delves deeper into them with the help of its characters.
In the film, Ranveer Singh portrays the character of Rocky. Watching him in this film gives the impression that Ranveer has played a slightly dramatized version of himself. The good thing is that he is not just the hero of the film; he is the means through which the filmmaker wants to convey their message to the audience. The only problem with Ranveer is that his every move, whereabouts, and actions are constantly under public scrutiny. People see him so much in real life that the excitement to watch his films diminishes. Anyway, "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani" is Ranveer Singh's "Tu Jhooti, Main Maakkar Hai," who is a bit smarter. It is a family film that every family should watch as it provides a reality check for them.
In the film, Alia Bhatt has portrayed the role of Rani Chatterjee, and she has done a fantastic job throughout the entire film. However, there are a few seconds in the 'Jhumka' song (from 45 seconds to 1 minute 2 seconds) that are personally impactful for me. In these 17 seconds, she does something entirely different, and it's in this segment that she truly becomes the protagonist of the movie. Her character is an integral part of almost all conflicts in the film, essentially holding the entire story together and preventing it from falling apart.
Shabana Azmi has played the role of Rani's mother in the film, and her character is directly connected to the narrative. Her story runs parallel to Rocky and Rani's, making her character relevant and interwoven with the plot. Jaya Bachchan has portrayed the role of Rocky's grandmother, who is the head of their family. Her character seems like a mix of Dharmendra's roles in 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' and 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham,' with a touch of more elegance. Just add a pinch more salt to it. Dharmendra appears in a small yet significant role as Rocky's grandfather. Despite his age, Dharmendra's screen presence is still remarkable. Towards the end of the film, he delivers a line that was also heard in the trailer, and it becomes a memorable moment. It feels like he is not just saying those words to his on-screen son but also reminding himself of something important.
In 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani,' numerous old and memorable songs have been used in the background and playback. However, these songs have not been remixed to become a part of the film's soundtrack. The film has a duration of around two and a half hours, and it could be tightened a bit. There isn't much that can be cut in the second half, but there are many elements in the first half that could have been trimmed.
In essence, 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani' is a family film. However, it is not a problematic film; it is a love story without being misogynistic. We are not claiming that 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani' is among the greatest films ever made, but it exceeds expectations. It is not a typical Sooraj Barjatya fairy tale family film; rather, it is a slightly less realistic but impactful family film by Karan Johar.
Read Also : Violence flares up again in Manipur, leaving four people injured.
