Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani REVIEW: Ranveer Singh, Shabana, Jaya Shine In Karan Johar's Paisa Vasool Film

Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani review: I went inside the theatre with little expectation and expected Ranveer Singh-Alia Bhatt starrer to be just another typical rom-com as I was not vowed by the film's trailer. But man oh man! Karan Johar surprised me by delivering a solid masala entertainer that has the potential to be the blockbuster of the year.

KJo, who introduced the concept of rich millionaires having their own family issues through Kabhie Khushi Kabhi Gham, is back with a family romantic comedy that features three veteran actors, who are the soul and heart of the film. There's no prize for guessing that we are talking about Dharmendra, Shabana Azmi and Jaya Bachchan.

Did I like Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani? Will I recommend my friends and family to watch it? Was the rom-com worth the hype? The answer is a 'BIG YES'.

ROCKY AUR RANI KI PREM KAHANI STORY REVIEW

Before I pen my thoughts on the storyline of the flick, I have to mention something. The shot of Randhawa's grand mansion transported me to Kabhie Khushi Kabhi Gham, which featured Yash Raichand's luxurious house in Chandi Chowk. As I live in Delhi, I know Randhawa's white mansion doesn't exist in the national capital but it is enough to remind me that Karan Johar loves all things grand and picturesque. In his new love story, he brings a new twist as two individuals come together for the sake of the grandparents but end up falling for each other.

While one is head-over-heels in love, the lady here wants to keep things limited to a fling as she knows their families are not compatible. While Rocky's Punjabi Randhawa family is not reading to comprise with their values, Rani's family is liberal and believes in equality between the genders. The Chatterjees' love their art while the Randhawas love their ladoos (no pun intended). Guess who controls Rocky and his family? None other than their stern matriarch- Dhanlakshmi.

How Rocky and Rani do a swap to convince their families for their marriage forms the crux of the story. There's a big twist in tale. Cannot tell everything, right?

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT ROCKY AUR RANI KII PREM KAHANI?

Karan Johar's film focused on relationships and how one wishes to be accepted and not judged by the people around him. It is believed in a typical Indian household that a woman holds the key and has to sacrifice her dreams for the sake of others. What if she wants to strike the perfect balance between her career and personal life? I loved the character of Rani, who has her own flaws but knows that thinking about partner's self-respect is an important tool in building a relationship.

KJo focused on social themes like body shaming, patriarchy, misogyny, toxic masculinity, and gender bias in his seventh directorial, making us wonder how such things still affect society. Why should we limit a profession, art form to a particular gender? Rani's father dances like a star as he showcases his Kathak moves. The world might mock him but who cares?

The dialogues, music and screenplay along with the humour element work best for the film. The acting department deserves a separate section as I can go on and on.

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE ABOUT ROCKY AUR RANI?

While the dialogues, music, direction, cinematography and acting were on point, there were a few loose ends that could be fixed. The editing could be crispier and a scene or two could be chopped off. After all 2 hours 50 minutes is a big duration and keeping anyone engaged in today's time is not that easy.

KARAN JOHAR'S RARKPK IS ODE TO BOLLYWOOD MUSIC

Kudos to Mr. Johar for giving the perfect ode to Hindi cinema music by infusing classic songs in the story and using them to add depth to the development of characters. Aaja Meri Gaadi Mein Beth Jaa, Dola Re Dola are some of the songs that have been used in the flick.

How can I not mention the 70s songs that have been beautifully picturised on Dharmendra and Shabana? I can watch those scenes again and again. The film made me nostalgic as it took be straight t the era where melodies were an integral part of the film. I want to hum 'Abhi Na Jaao Chodke, Dil Abhi Bhara Nahi'.

ROCKY AUR RANI KI PREM KAHANI REVIEW: ACTING PERFORMANCE

I want to give a big shout out to the casting team as they managed to bring the best cast possible. Ranveer Singh is tailor-made for the role of Rocky Randhawa. He delivers an outstanding performance as the flamboyant Delhi boy, who doesn't know the name of the current President of India and how to make coffee. But he's honest and loyal and loves his family a lot.

Be it the tear-jerker scenes or high-voltage drama during a confrontation, Ranveer breathed life into the character with his performance. Sorry to say folks, he outshined Alia Bhatt in the film. While his chemistry with Alia Bhatt was good, I enjoyed his chemistry with her on-screen mother Churni Ganguly more.

Churni, what a wonderful artist she is! The scenes featuring her and Ranveer were chef's kiss. Alia Bhatt, who played the role of a fierce journalist, did justice to her role.

It's a crime that Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan and Shabana Azmi don't do many films. The trio easily stole the limelight from others in the paisa vasool drama, which has all the ingredients of a successful flick.

Whose chemistry was better? Without an iota of doubt, I will say Shabana and Dharmendra. They said it all with eyes and expressions, taking me on a roller coaster ride filled with drama, emotions and romance. Sorry for giving a spoiler but they shared a liplock in Rocky Aur Rani.

Shabana Azmi played the role of Jamini with perfection, reflecting the thoughts of pain, and the longness of meeting her 'soul mate'. Being a Bengali, I want to say one thing- 'Khub bhalo'. The veteran actress is so pleasant to watch as Jamini, making us fall in love whenever she shares words of wisdom with her granddaughter in the flick.

Remember Balika Vadhu's strict Dadisa aka Kalyani Devi? Jaya Bachchan reminded us of Surekha Sikri when she played the role of a no-nonsense matriarch with conviction. While I am titled more towards Jamini but Jaya's portrayal of Dhanlakshmi made me realise why she is so strict and not supportive of the other women in life.

I am a strong advocate of Anjali Anand's work since Dhai Kilo Prem days and she entertained me with her solid punch lines, tickling the funny bone with her funny dialogues. Perfect casting- whether it's Aamir Bashir or Tota Roy Chowdhury, every artist gave their 100 percent to his/her role.

CONCLUSION

Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani deserves your watch if you are a true blue Hindi cinema fan. It has all the required masalas including dance, romance, drama, and emotions that are considered essential for a masala flick.

RARKPK has packed a solid punch in all the departments and has the potential to set new box office records. If you want to be entertained, you know what to do this weekend.