What is the first thing that comes to your mind when I say Karan Johar and Dharma movie ? Huge starcast? Over-the-top everything? Super rich families? A lot of songs and dances ? Dreamy Locations ? Yes, Rocky aur Rani ki Prem Kahaani has it all and much more. The movie starring Alia Bhatt, Ranveer Singh, Jaya Bacchan, Dharmendra and Shabana Azmi is truly outstanding. I strongly believe that every Indian family should watch this movie.
Here’s why
1. IT IS A FAMILY DRAMA
Rocky aur Rani ki Prem Kahaani is a family movie, just like all the other Dharma Films are. Of course, a lot of scenes might be objectionable – considering the kiss shared by Dharmendra and Shabana Azmi. But, if it still isn’t normal to you, try accepting the fact that every movie will have such scenes. It is absolutely normal. The movie depicts two super rich families , drastically different from each other. One, being orthodox and traditionalistic. The other, quite modern and classy yet rooted. If you’re watching this movie, you will definitely relate to the members of either of the families.
2. IT CHALLENGES THE FLAWS OF THE SOCIETY
What a delightful and entertaining way to show all the shortcomings of the society. The challenges of society are subtly presented by Karan Johar in a manner that will leave you with a lasting impression even after watching the film. From sexism and patriarchy, to various versions of ‘Sanskaar’ (Ethics and Morality), to body-shaming and matrimony, the movie touched on almost everything.
3. IT FORCES YOU TO STAND UP FOR YOURSELF
It does! The movie forced both men and women to stand up for themselves, and not just women (the weaker gender, as per most movies). The way Ranveer’s mother and sister stood up for themselves after years of being pressured into staying quiet was commendable. But, what won my heart was how Ranveer Singh, a.k.a. Rocky , his father and Alia Bhatt’s father stood up for themselves too for all the right reasons.
4. IT CHALLENGES THE TYPICAL MINDSET
The dialogue where Rani says – Why is it that only women have to come to your house to stay, even she is leaving her house and her family, is something that runs in every single about-to-be-married woman’s mind. The reason why women don’t speak up because it’s been that way ever since the inception of marriage. But, what’s beautiful is they addressed this question and made it normal.
5. IT NORMALIZES LOVE IN ALL ITS GLORY
Is it even a Karan Johar movie if it doesn’t reignite the idea of love? It strongly portrayed two different communities working through the cultural differences and making the love work. It also strongly portrayed a short-lived moment which was more than Love for the elderly couple. When you think about it, sometimes a small fleeting moment of love and warmth is enough to keep it alive.
6. IT TALKS ABOUT MARRIAGES
The beautiful part about this movie is that it talks about why so many marriages are failing. A lot of women in India are living in loveless marriages, A lot of couples are not together because of the regressive mindset of their families. A lot of marriages are failing because not a lot of families are ready to be practical. All these reasons for the increasing divorce rates are addressed in a subtle yet powerful way.
7. IT BREAKS THE GENDER NORMS
The movies breaks the notion that woman’s place is in the kitchen and mens’ in the offices. Think of how amazing Ranveer Singh felt when we prepared coffee for the family.A part from that it also breaks the notion that people can choose any profession, irrespective of their gender – Think of how graceful Alia Bhatt’s father Mr. Chatterjee was when he performed Kathak and how Ranveer Singh’s grandfather chose to be a poet rather than a businessman. It’s totally cool to do something apart from the standard rules of the society.
8. IT TALKS ABOUT WOMEN
The most talked about topic in India is definitely how women bring down women. Most Mother-in-laws live with a perspective that she is in-charge of the house and the fact that if she has undergone a trauma , her daughter in law should go through the same. It’s irrelevant. It’s silly. The movie shows competition within two strong women. But, on the other hand, it also shows how women can uplift and motivate other women to become strong and stand up for themselves. In the end, women who help other women win.
9. IT TEACHES THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RIGHT AND WRONG
It’s something most of us fail to recognize, even as adults. We get so caught up in the emotional drama of the homes that we tend to overlook the fact that one of the family members can indeed be toxic- even if it’s your parent! It’s important to understand that sometimes even if someone is elder to you, they can be wrong. It doesn’t teach you to disrespect the elders but put forth the idea that they can be wrong.
10. IT TEACHES RESPECT
Respecting women , respecting professions, respecting choices, respecting the style of living , respecting love, respecting young ones and respecting families. Every single scene was about respect. It breaks the idea that one needs to respect only the elders and only the professions that meet the quality standard of the typical society.
Overall, the movie is thought-provoking, progressive and heart-warming while being entertaining. Being a Karan Johar fan – mostly because of his humor and sarcasm, along with his amazing speaking skills, I had to watch this movie. I must say the fan in me danced and laughed and had all the more respect for him. The film bought forth so many things that a lot of us keep in heart but fail to express. It made my heart lighter with the hope that one day, the society will understand. If you’re ready for an eye-opener, I urge you to watch Rocky aur Rani ki Prem Kahaani. Thank me later.
Rocky Aur Rani ki Prem Kahaani to be released on Jio Cinema and Amazon Prime in September 2023