Ever since I heard the song Tum kya mile, I knew Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani would be a family comedy-drama with a fresh love story envisioned by Karan Johar to mark his comeback to directing. Although the lead pair of Rocky and Rani share very little in common, their bond is admirable. As they decide to take their relationship to the next level, they face the wrath of their culturally contrasting families and devise a plan to live with each other's family to develop compatibility and trust with them. Featuring an ensemble cast, the film explores an array of emotions ranging from mirth to disappointment in classic Karan Johar style.

What really makes this film interesting is the attempt to bridge the cultural gap which often discourages individuals from committing themselves to any relationship. If there is love, anything is possible and the film stands strong on this idea.

Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh rule with their energetic performances while Jaya Bachchan and Dharmendra fill the screen with their grace and charm. Alia's beauty in this film is praiseworthy and she just slays it with her chiffon saris and nose rings. (I liked/didn't like Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani because... July 29)

Aayman Anwar Ali

The latest Karan Johar venture tells a predictable tale that is as old as time. The audience is starstruck by the presence of screen legends and golden melodies played repeatedly. Cleverly entwined in the plot, they tug at our heartstrings. Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, who play the two lovers, are poles apart and so are their families. What follows is the familiar family saga with scowling matriarchs, a violent father, a cowering mother, sniggering ‘culture vultures’ and so on.

Karan Johar's class obsession continues by pairing Rani's 'cultured' family against the 'laddoo waale' nouveau riche Randhawas. However, the movie is watchable for songs like Yeh shaam mastani, Ek pyaar ka nagma and Papa Chatterjee's (a short but brilliant role by Tota Roy Choudhury) amazing Kathak recitals. There is a smattering of Punjabi and Bengali amongst the Hindi and some ‘Tharooresque’ Queen's English for the language enthusiasts. Overall, a good entertainer, as it gives everyone something to take away.

Pampa Paul

Karan Johar fits in every bit of Bollywood he can get his hands on into Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. The film positions the cultural differences between the Punjabi and Bengali families. While the latter sticks to traditional and stifling patriarchal values, the former is progressive and challenges those very norms in the way their family operates.

Rocky and Rani are products of flawed but inescapable breeding grounds. Interestingly, patriarchy is not the only thing under the scanner here. Cancel culture and elitism are dragged onto the turf and families learn to reconsider the very idea of generosity and love. Conventional masculinity, stifled housewives, neglected daughters, repressed sons — patriarchy faces a takedown that is almost too good to be true. The comedy is rib-tickling while the drama, melodrama and dash of emotions succeed in touching the heart.

As Rocky, Ranveer is impossible to take your eyes away from; he has an infectious energy that lends itself to the film’s demand for uproarious laughter. And yet, when the film moves into its melodramatic and emotion-heavy second half, his performance is heartbreaking. Alia Bhatt is the star of the film and she drives the narrative with her terrific performance. Jaya Bachchan’s character is loud and strict and can get on your nerve at times. Dharmendra gives his best and brings emotional depth to the film. Shabana Azmi is at her best. Both Tota Roy Choudhury and Churni Ganguly imbue their characters with the honesty they require.

Roshni Ojha

Karan Johar’s new colourful movie RARKPK is a musical tribute to evergreen Bollywood romantic music. It’s a nice mix of the same old melodrama with the new concept of live-in with the partner's family, romance with grace, women's empowerment, wealth with elegance and two different cultures of Bengal and Punjab. We hear the next-gen version of a language that hashes Bengali and Hindi and some chirpy English words too. The sets are huge as well as attractive.

Shabana Azmi looks beautiful and Alia Bhatt is gorgeous in saris. Hats off to Pritam Chakraborty for the wonderful background score. He used Rabindrasangeet and Bengali folk songs beautifully in emotional or funny scenes which is very impressive. The movie is complete entertainment with its ensemble cast and strong performances.

Sarbani Banerjee

The strong point of the film is, of course, great acting by Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, two of the most naturally gifted actors in Bollywood. The supporting cast of Shabana Azmi, Jaya Bachchan, Tota, Churni, Aamir Basheer, Kshitee Jog and Anjali Anand have all proved themselves. Music in original songs, yesteryear songs (used brilliantly) and background score (Pritam) is excellent, especially the orchestration (with a hint of Rabindrasangeet in the background). Towards the end, the movie becomes a tad melodramatic and contrived. Be that as it may, RARKPK is entertainment all the way. I will go to watch it again just to see Alia!

Amitkumar Brahmo

I liked Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani as it is an entertaining family-oriented love story. The movie has commendable performances from its ensemble cast. The songs are peppy and nice. It is a feel-good movie which is a good one-time watch.

Rahul Krishnan

I liked Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani as it is a wholesome family entertainer directed by Karan Johar. The lead pair of Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt steal the show and are ably supported by a star-studded supporting cast. Pritam's music is first rate and the songs are peppy and hummable. On the whole, a decent one-time watch

PVS Krishnan

I really liked Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. It was a good take on a modern love story. Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt played their characters immensely well. I was also impressed by Jaya Bachchan's portrayal of her character. I really liked the scene where Ranveer does Kathak. Overall this film is certainly an entertaining and good watch.

Srinika Banerjee

I watched a refreshing, happy movie after a long time. The story, plot, acting and music are all okay but they all added up to make this movie super okay to watch. I also loved how the film showed the journey from arrogance to love, from subjugation to respect and from arguments to love. The movie is also great because of the energy and synergy of the lead couple, Ranveer and Alia. Dharmendra and Shabana Azmi were delightful to watch and Jaya Bachchan was amazing in her negative role. The superhit yesteryears songs make your heart sing and dance as also the use of punchlines from Bollywood family hits.

Deepak Bothra

Karan Johar returns with a bang with the stupendous film Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. It brings back the same essence of KJo's unforgettable films like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. But it's 2023 now and Karan Johar being a father to twins has matured enough to bring a twist in prioritising the bonding and relations of family members in the hero and heroine's lives. The idea of living in the future partner's house before marriage is worth applauding. Karan has also perfectly balanced relevant modern issues such as gender bias, misogyny, body shaming and patriarchy but everything is told in a humorous, heartwarming way, rather than being too preachy.

The ensemble cast is just superb. Each and everyone from Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt to Shabana Azmi, Tota Roy Choudhury and Churni Ganguly are just perfect for their roles. I was really amazed to witness Tota Roy Choudhury's mindblowing Kathak performances and was bowled over by Shabana Azmi's Aami chini go chini tomare. The Bengali mood touched our hearts and has therefore made the film more dear to us.

Kakali Mukherjee

I liked Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani because this Karan Johar directorial is a full paisa-vasool movie. The film was a complete entertainer and the story has everything from romance to drama, from emotion to comedy. These elements make a good Bollywood masala movie. Plus, Johar should also be lauded for trying to convey an important message on women's empowerment.

Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh as Rani Chatterjee and Rocky Randhawa respectively, gave outstanding performances. Their acting and chemistry, especially in the romantic and emotional scenes, were a treat to watch. All the supporting actors added charm to the movie with their wonderful acts. Another thing I liked in the movie was the use of superhit retro Hindi film songs. Overall, it's a fantastic film and watching this out-and-out entertainer was fun.

Sourish Misra

I did not like the movie because I found it extravagant, unreal and loud. The Bengali culture portrayed by Alia Bhatt, including her saris, was not really Bengali and Rocky's family was outdated and all about wealth. Veteran actors were cast just to play on the audience's sentiments. The palatial sets were so grand that the message given by the protagonists got lost in the grandeur.

Anuradha Raza