'Rocky aur Rani' review: Story with recycled ideas is more style than substance

THIS is the type of movie that might have worked really well in the 1990s when romance was dominating Hindi cinema and many contemporary story troupes in the genre had not been done yet.

But in 2023, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani comes across as more style than actual substance and seems to have ideas that have been recycled.

The story essentially revolves around two mismatched individuals from different backgrounds, who fall in love with each other. They decide to live with each other’s family to gain some sort of acceptance for their union. There is also a sub-plot of getting two elderly people reconnected after many decades apart.

From the flashy dance numbers to the various story troupes of mismatched lovers trying to reunite individuals and disappr fore in Bollywood. Even the song numbers, acting styles and overcooked sets give you a sense of déjà vu in a film that desperately tries to offer something new, without much success. Those who enjoy formula driven love stories will find plenty to like, but even their patience will be tested in this overly long film. What ultimately saves Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani from being a complete letdown is some decent musical numbers and solid turns from the lead cast.

Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt generate plenty of chemistry onscreen. There are also winning performances from Bollywood legends Jaya Bachchan, Shabana Azmi and in particular Dharmendra, who is just a joy to watch onscreen. There are a few interesting life lessons as well.

Ultimately, this movie is a sign that Karan Johar as a filmmaker has failed to evolve from the days of delivering superhits such as Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), with a movie that has stapled together lots of seen before ideas into a paper-thin plot.