Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, starring Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh, releases in cinemas on July 28. The Karan Johar directorial marks the reunion of Bollywood’s hit on-screen pair of Alia and Ranveer after their blockbuster movie Gully Boy. The makers of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani held an official premiere of the film in Mumbai on Tuesday and the early reviews are already out.

The first reaction to Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is largely positive, with self-proclaimed film critic Kamaal R Khan calling Alia and Ranveer starrer “a brilliant family drama". Sharing the first impression of the film, KRK tweeted, “Many people have watched film Rocky and Rani Ki Prem Kahani at the censor board offices in London, Singapore, Mauritius etc. and according to them, it’s a brilliant film with full of entertainment. And it’s going to be a sure shot HIT."

In another post, KRK wrote, “Many Bollywood people did watch Karan Johar film #RockyAurRaniKiiPremKahaani last night and they love it. According to many people it’s a brilliant family drama film and it’s going to rock at the box office."

ROCKY AUR RANI KII PREM KAHAANI bears the stamp of an accomplished storyteller, with KJo avoiding the tried-and-tested rom-com template to move things. For instance, the integration of timeless tracks in the narrative is so refreshingly hatke. Also, the dramatic twist before ‘Dhindhora Baje Re’ and the heated argument that follows is brilliant.

The writing [Ishita Moitra, Shashank Khaitan, Sumit Roy] doesn’t fall prey to mediocrity at any stage. It encompasses drama, emotions and romance seamlessly. Would like to make a special mention of the dialogues [Ishita Moitra], which garnishes the sequences beautifully. DoP Manush Nandan creates some stunning frames and does complete justice to the scale.

The film overstays its welcome and how one wishes KJo and his editor [Nitin Baid] would’ve kept the run time in check, not stretching beyond 2.30 hours.

The soundtrack [Pritam] is catchy and peppy. ‘Tum Kya Mile’ has a strong shelf life, while ‘What Jhumka?’ is already popular on reels. ‘Dhindhora Baje Re’ — released few days prior to its theatrical release — is sure to climb the popularity charts once you watch the film and realise its relevance to the proceedings.

The choice of actors is perfect, that’s also one of the reasons why the written word carries weight. Ranveer Singh is terrific in a role that seems tailored for him. Agree, he has portrayed a North Indian character in the past [including his launch pad BAND BAAJA BAARAAT], but you cannot accuse him of repeating his act. He makes you laugh with his faulty English, but it’s in the emotional moments that he proves his calibre.

Alia Bhatt is in superb form. Her confidence — especially in sequences with Jaya Bachchan — is remarkable. And the outburst towards the pre-climax deserves brownie points. Also, her Bengali dialect will win her immense praise. Alia proves, yet again, that she’s in a league of her own. Moreover, she shares a wonderful chemistry with Ranveer.

The veterans leave a mark in their respective parts. Dharmendra is so good, it’s great to see him on the big screen after a hiatus. Jaya Bachchan is electrifying. Her commanding presence, authoritative attitude and cold stares — this is a stand-out act that’s sure to be talked about by moviegoers. Shabana Azmi is fantastic, delivers a controlled performance without going overboard in any sequence.

Aamir Bashir and Kshitee Jog [Ranveer’s parents] and Tota Roy Choudhury and Churni Ganguly [Alia’s parents] excel in their respective parts. Would like to make a special mention of Tota Roy Choudhury’s graceful dance on two occasions and Churni Ganguly’s sequence in a store.

On the whole, ROCKY AUR RANI KII PREM KAHAANI is a well-packaged entertainer that has ample merits to strike a chord with the youth as well as families. At the box-office, it has the potential to emerge a success story.