Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani Movie Review: A Masala Movie with Flaws

Director: Karan Johar

Rating: 3/5 stars

Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani” (RARKPK) is a classic masala movie filled with all the glitz and glamour we expect from a Karan Johar film. With a star-studded cast including Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, the anticipation for this film was high. However, it falls short in certain aspects, leaving viewers with mixed feelings.

Let’s start with the good stuff—the anticipation for this movie was sky-high as it marked KJo’s comeback to directing after seven long years since “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.” This film has all the classic elements we love—rich families, extravagant locations, and of course, those signature Bollywood dance sequences.

But here’s where things get a bit rocky (pun intended). The film takes ages to get going, and once it does, it becomes a never-ending rollercoaster of romance and predictable life lessons. One of the major disappointments is the stereotypical portrayal of Punjabis as loud and uncivilized, and Bengalis as overly educated and clever. Come on, Bollywood, let’s break these clichés!

The movie introduces us to Rocky Randhawa, played by the ever-charismatic Ranveer Singh, making a stunning entrance in his signature flamboyant style. He’s a history teacher in a school, but hey, his interest lies elsewhere, and it’s not in the books! Meanwhile, we meet Rani Chatterjee, portrayed by the talented Alia Bhatt, who is not your typical damsel in distress. She’s strong, confident, and not afraid to voice her opinions, especially on escalating rape incidents.

Now, as you’d expect, the plot revolves around the classic love story of Rocky and Rani, who are trying to reunite their grandparents, Kanwal and Jamini, played by the legendary Dharmendra and Shabana Azmi, respectively. But here’s the catch—the Randhawas and Chatterjees have their own set of differences and traditions.

As the two families come together, we witness a series of ups and downs, struggles, taunts, and heartfelt moments. The movie showcases the ups and downs of love and how relationships can be both delightful and challenging. But hey, no spoilers here!

The film boasts some powerhouse performances, with Ranveer Singh adding his trademark charm and energy to the character of Rocky. He effortlessly slides into this role, and it feels like he’s just being himself! Jaya Bachchan, as the family matriarch, delivers a standout performance, making us laugh and empathize with her character’s peculiarities.

The music in RARKPK is a standout element, with heartfelt songs and foot-tapping party tracks. The movie pays tribute to classic Bollywood music with songs by legends like Mohd Rafi, Kishore Kumar, Asha Bhonsle, and Lata Mangeshkar.

However, there are some downsides to the film. The repeated preaching sessions can feel forced, and the movie ventures into various social themes, which might take away from its identity as a family entertainer. Some dialogues are questionable and could have been better crafted.

Overall, “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani” is a typical Bollywood entertainer that will leave you with mixed feelings. It’s a movie with all the right ingredients—a dollop of romance, a dash of comedy, and a sprinkling of family traditions. Despite some great performances and fantastic music, the movie takes too long to capture the audience’s interest and meanders into unnecessary territory. If you’re a die-hard Karan Johar fan, you might enjoy it, but it might not be the best masala movie out there.

So, if you’re up for a grand Bollywood spectacle with some memorable performances and foot-tapping music, give “RARKPK” a shot! Just be prepared for a few bumps along the way. Enjoy the show the music and dance while it lasts!