Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani

 Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani [2023]

Starring: Alia Bhatt, Ranveer Singh, Jaya Bachchan, Shabana Azmi

Direction by Karan Johar

Language: Hindi

Normally, I don't think recently released Bollywood movies are worth reviews. I really do think that the industry has deteriorated, and so I prefer to look at older Hindi films, or movies in other languages. I was watching this movie, never expecting that I would review it. The poster for the movie is very colourful and bright: all the trademarks of a 'cheap' Indian movie. Most contemporary Hindi movies are quite 'cheap': and I was expecting this to be the same way. However, this movie packed an unexpected emotional punch, addressing pressing issues of modern Indian society in a way that none of its predecessors have. 

Let's first talk about the acting, because I actually have a lot to say about that one. Let me start with the negatives. Ranveer Singh was absolutely awful. He performed horribly: and his role was incredibly one dimensional. After thirty odd minutes, anyone would get bored of him. Even when he did perform at more intense scenes, he was substandard. He was a comic role, unworthy of anything more. He would have been alright as a side character, but not as a main one. 

Alia Bhatt has actually redeemed herself in my eyes. After her vanilla roles in movies such as Student of the Year, her displays of strength in this production was startling. I can finally solidify Bhatt in my mind as a solid actress, who I've really come to appreciate. 

Then, we have the regular heavyweights: the experienced actresses. Bachchan and Azmi performed just I expected them to. Elegantly, powerfully. Any issues with their delivery was a result of poor screenwriting. Karan Johar wrote Bachchan's character in such a way where there was very little variety in range. 

Actually, talking about the writing, I would like to look at that too. To be perfectly honest, Karan Johar was alright as a director/writer in the early 2000s: back then his scripts were fresh, a welcome addition to the Hindi language industry. However, there were certain elements where he failed to keep up with the times. There were far too many parallels with his earlier work: almost to the point where I felt that there was a lack of originality. The whole concept of an ill-fated romance - an extroverted man and a guarded woman overcoming obstacles to become ultimately happy is a bit of a tired concept. 

What the movie did hit, however, were the issues of female empowerment, and confronting toxic family relationships. In older Bollywood movies, the existence of toxic families is a given. However, the narrative in this movie was taking a more liberal approach to this topic. The movie looks at how to recognise toxic relationships, and how to fix them. It was the same way when it came to confronting gender stereotypes. The existence of very clear gender roles in Indian society, is, again, a given. But this movie explored what it means to be a feminist, and how to achieve one's full potential despite the familial pressure that may be placed upon you. These strong messages are what made the movie an emotional gut punch that I was previously not expecting. 

Pretty strong performances across the bat (minus Ranveer Singh), and a strong message makes this movie a worthwhile watch, as far as modern Bollywood goes. 

7/10