Bollywood hasn’t been in the best shape post pandemic. No one can guess which kind of movies are working at the box office. Veterans have tried to set the box office on fire and have failed. Apart from Pathaan, there hasn’t been a single blockbuster from Bollywood. After everyone tested the waters, it was finally time for KJo aka Karan Johar to try and reignite the dying box office fire with Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. However, the first teaser of the film was met with a lot of skepticism. The trailer wasn’t any different. The album of Rocky and Rani was not impressive as well, something which is guaranteed from Johar venture. Even after having A-listers like Ranveer and Alia, the film opened with a tiny 11.5 crores yesterday. So, is this another misfire from Bollywood? Let’s find out.
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani Review: The Perfect Big Fat Bollywood Movie?
Let’s keep this short, which is what Rocky Aur Rani’s makers should’ve kept in mind. I’ll be honest, I enjoyed the film more than I’d like to admit. Much of its credit is to the enigma that is Ranveer Singh. He can even turn lame jokes into LOL moments. His iteration of a Delhi boy didn’t come of as stereotypical or generic. There is enough to make you believe but not too much where it becomes nauseating. His dance moves, charisma, emotional moments and basically everything is on point.
Alia Bhatt is fine in the film. I’ve seen better performances from Bhatt in the past. Although, she has not given a bad performance it is just fine. Apart from the leads no one really stood out for me. Everyone did their part well, except for Dharmendra. That man is 80 years old and casting him was a bad idea. The romantic scenes between him and Shabana Azmi were uncomfortable. One could easily see the discomfort on Dharamendra’s face when he was dancing. The kiss took things too far.
I enjoyed the use of old Indian songs as they added soul to this rather soulless album. The casting of Kshitee Jog felt extremely off as I never bought her as Ranveer’s mother. Hence, never connected. Jaya Bachchan felt like she was playing herself which is perfect for the part offered to her. I guarantee that the film would make you laugh and even root for Rocky and Rani but I think it is 15 minutes too long. As it is a mainstream rom-com, everything is over the top. There are theatrics rather than exploring nuanced emotions.
Although, I don’t think we expected anything else. I wish the social messages that Johar is so desperately trying to give out through this film would be done in a better manner. There are times when the film becomes very preachy. I appreciate what the film is trying to say. It is very progressive and a welcome change in Johar’s filmography which is otherwise filled with sexist and misogynistic undertones. However, the way it is portrayed becomes like a lecture and no one wants to be lectured especially when you’ve come for pure entertainment through escapism.
The worst scene from the entire film was the introduction of Rani where she roasts a political leader on live television. That is the laziest piece of writing I’ve seen in a while, even if the gist of what she is saying is absolutely right. The film almost became like Barbie as it went on bashing patriarchy for everything. I just feel like when you come in for a movie like this you’re not in the mood for a reality check. Anyways, there is more to the film than patriarchy bashing so, it was saved there.
I don’t agree with Kangana Ranaut’s remarks on the film but she is right about one thing, the film can feel like a daily soap sometimes. Of course a daily soap on a huge scale but still… a daily soap. It has every ingredient to be one. If there was any other actor than Ranveer, this would’ve become one but then again what do you expect from a Karan Johar film?
Verdict
Overall, this was an extremely enjoyable watch. I was entertained if not somewhat horrified by seeing an 80-year old Dharmendra smooching Shabana Azmi. The film is a well done mass film, in my opinion. A stand out performance from Ranveer Singh after a long time. Each frame of the film looks gorgeous thanks to the grand sets. If you’re looking for a movie to watch with your family this weekend, then do yourself a favor and don’t watch Barbie. Watch Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. I’ll give the film 2.5 out of 5 stars.
Apart from Ranveer and Alia, the film packs an extraordinary bunch of veteran actors like Dharmendra, Shabana Azmi, Jaya Bachchan and Preity Zinta.
Rocky aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is playing in theatres near you.
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