Karan Johar returns to direction after a seven-year hiatus and he makes a rocking return to direction. He celebrates everything that makes Hindi cinema the larger-than-life that it is. Be it the family drama, the heart-tugging romance, be it the lip-sync songs, be it the grandeur of lavish sets... Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani has it all... hey the movie also has a long title that can be shortened to RARKPK... haven't done that in so long!
Before I talk about why loved the movie, a quick snippet about the story. Rocky Randhawa (Ranveer Singh) falls in love with Rani Chatterjee (Alia Bhatt). Both are as different as chalk and cheese and their families are even more apart. They are drawn to each other due to an emotional bond between two of their family members. How they struggle to make their love work and make their families accept their relationship is what the story is all about.
Now to what and why I love Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
First and foremost Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh - they are so comfortable in their roles and with each other on screen. You cannot take your eyes off either of them when they are on screen. And of course, they are talented actors.
Next, an enviable supporting cast with stalwarts Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan, and Shabana Azmi giving the younger lot a run for their money, and the eclectic set of actors comprising the immensely talented Tota Roy Chowdhury, Churni Ganguly, Kshitee Jog, Aamir Basheer, and Anjali Anand.
The music by Pritam as well as the walk down memory lane numbers from "Abhi na jao chod ke" to "Dola re dola"... the movie has it all. I left the theatre humming "Tum kya mile", something I haven't done in quite some time. I loved the old classics that play at various important points during the movie.
And finally, the reason to love RARKPK is Karan Johar. He knows how to make a multi-starrer extravaganza with a heart and soul. Yes, there is some element of preaching in the film, but somewhere it seems to be Karan Johar's way of trying to revisit his old movies and changing the narrative for the better. There is also a tip of the hat to his mentor Yash Chopra's movies.
RARKPK made me laugh, made me cry... it was everything I expected the movie to be, everything I wanted it to be. And I would watch it again in a heartbeat!
So go on, watch Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani on the big screen, and celebrate Hindi Cinema, Karan Johar style! And do not miss the opening credit song with some interesting cameos and of course an unexpected but cheer-worthy dance duet!