Aim Was To Make Rocky Aur Rani Relevant: Filmfare Winner Ishita Moitra

69th Filmfare Awards, the annual award show honouring the best in the entertainment industry took place at the Gujarat International Finance Tec (GIFT) City in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, showcasing a dazzling array of talent and glamour. Screenwriter Ishita Moitra clinches the award for Best Dialogue at the prestigious Filmfare Awards 2024 for her work in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.

Ishita Moitra has been receiving widespread attention since the film's release. SheThePople spoke to Moitra about her experience of collaborating with director Karan Johar and what it meant for her to write a film which aimed to offer a genre of entertainment like never before. 

Moitra's expertise lies in crafting compelling love stories and intriguing plots that resonate with the audience. Her ability to delve into complex emotions and relationships has garnered appreciation from both critics and moviegoers.

Ishita Moitra Interview

Moreover, unlike how Dharma movies are generalised by the public, Rocky Aur Rani presented a relatable aspect where Rani and Rocky's relationship faced a test to determine if it was driven by lust, physical attraction, or a genuine emotional bond. When asked, how was Karan Johar's input to that? Moitra revealed, “I think, actually, there are many Dharma films like this, particularly films like Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna or Badri Ki Dulhania. In the past, too, in Wake Up Sid, the hero and heroine do not fall in love immediately at first sight, and the relationship builds, like you said, over a period of time. So I wouldn't agree with that exactly. It feels like a generalisation.”

She recalled how the team wanted Rocky and Rani to be. "Speaking of this particular Rocky and Rani, I think we wanted them to be physically very, very attracted to each other because the two characters are actually very different from each other, they couldn't actually meet each other at an intellectual level and they inhabit totally different worlds. So, for them to actually develop an emotional bond, they couldn't be compatible unless they knew each other. So, what you needed was like sparkling physical chemistry that then translates into all sorts of other sorts of compatibility, which is why this was very essential to our film."

As the writers worked on crafting the story of Rocky Aur Rani, there was a conscious effort to ensure that both Rocky and Rani had their fair share of the spotlight. Throughout the creative process, the team was vigilant to maintain a perfect balance between the two characters. 

Moitra added, “I think we were very conscious that it was Rocky and Rani. And there is like, and even in the switch, if you see, when there is one episode with Rocky, then there is at that time another episode with Rani. It's very well-balanced in terms of the story. Also, Rocky is a comedic character for most parts, his lines are hilarious. So, sometimes that can feel a little overwhelming. But the fact that his lines are coming through and people are laughing so much is because Rani's character has really reacted perfectly to those lines”

It takes two actors to make a scene what it is. So, I feel like the film wouldn't have been the same if there was no Rani in it. And it is definitely a very equal, 50-50, partnership between Rocky and Rani.

In the film, the creative team purposefully sought to challenge and subvert traditional Dharma notions, notably the belief that 'family is everything.' Additionally, they took a bold stand against societal norms such as fat-shaming, sexism, and misogyny. Moitra shared that these groundbreaking ideas and themes were directly inspired by Karan Johar, who wanted to infuse the film with both entertainment and social relevance.

She added that the writing team was fully aware of this vision while crafting the screenplay and to ensure that the movie carried these powerful messages, they intricately wove a compelling narrative with ten principal characters, each with their own distinct arcs and stories.

Incorporating these themes and character developments proved to be a significant challenge, but it was a challenge the writers willingly embraced. Their ultimate goal was to create a film that not only entertained but also encouraged important conversations about societal issues and personal growth.

The admiration and praise for the veteran actors' performances in the film have been overwhelming. Especially the captivating presence of the matriarchs, Jaya Bachchan and Shabana Azmi, has left a lasting impression on the audience. When asked if these actors were in her mind while writing the characters, Moitra confirmed that she had envisioned them portraying these roles from the very beginning.

She said, "Jaya Ji is a veteran actor who has been known for her acting prowess.  And it was just so wonderful to see her take this evil turn in such a delicious way. She just totally dug into it and enjoyed it so much. It was just so great to see her say, Keh Diya Na, Bas Keh Diya. I really enjoyed what she did with the film. And as opposed to Shabana Ji, she's always managed to straddle both worlds and do commercial as well as parallel work simultaneously. Even right now, she's making films in Hollywood. She's very inspiring to me. If only I could be even half of what she is at her age. I'll be very, very happy to be honest. "

The love story between Dharmendra and Shabana Azmi in the film has struck a chord with the audience, and many feel that it could be a movie in itself. While their extramarital love was justified within the context of the film, there have been suggestions to explore their backstory further in a separate script. Talking about that the writer said, “The powerful performances of Dharmendra and Shabana Azmi have left a lasting impact, evident from the audience's overwhelming response during scenes like the rendition of Abhi Na Jao Chhor Kar in the theatre. Their enduring stardom and the joy they continue to bring to people's lives, even after decades in the industry, are truly remarkable and awe-inspiring.”

She concluded, “I think, right now, we are leaving it to the viewer's imagination. I consider everybody has these beautiful stories in mind, and everybody has a backstory for even how Kaval and Jamini met and what would have happened could be a whole new drama.”

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