Karan Johar on the Challenges of Star-Studded Films

Filmmaker Karan Johar recently shared his thoughts on the increasing difficulty of assembling a star-studded cast for films, particularly recalling the success of his iconic movie Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. He pointed out that the current landscape of Bollywood presents significant hurdles, including sky-high remuneration and a shift in how actors approach their roles. Today, many actors tend to over-analyze their decisions and are heavily influenced by numerous advisors, which complicates collaborative projects both economically and creatively.

Insights from Bollywood Hungama

In a conversation with Bollywood Hungama, Karan emphasized that bringing together major stars for a film has become incredibly challenging. He cited War 2, featuring Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR, as a notable example of a successful collaboration, highlighting the immense value of uniting two leading figures from different film industries. However, he lamented that the process of pairing lead actors and actresses has become increasingly complex due to various factors.

Johar noted that actors now have their own strategies and ideologies, which are often complicated by the constant advice they receive from their advisors. He reflected on how the approach to projects has changed since the early 2000s, recalling that actors back then were much less analytical. For instance, he mentioned that Shah Rukh Khan agreed to star in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham without even reading the script, simply because he wanted to work with Karan. Johar expressed that Shah Rukh still operates this way, choosing films based on personal relationships. However, he lamented that today’s actors tend to “over-analyze, over-think, over-expect, and over box-office,” which often leads to underachievement.

The Shift in Industry Dynamics

Karan candidly discussed the evolving dynamics within the industry, noting that even those close to him no longer consistently follow his advice. He explained that actors often revert to their management teams, individual advisors, family members, or partners for guidance. This expanded “advisory chamber” and the pervasive influence of social media contribute to an overwhelming amount of information, which can cloud their decision-making.

Johar stressed the importance of returning to a sense of conviction in decision-making, advocating for a more spontaneous approach without excessive overthinking. He expressed concern over the current fixation on individual screen time and roles, stating that multi-starrer films “used to be so easy.” Beyond the creative challenges, he highlighted the economic obstacles, noting that current remuneration demands are exorbitant, with many actors seeking high pay without fully understanding the realities of box office performance.

In conclusion, Karan urged the industry to collaborate in addressing these challenges, emphasizing the need to work towards a more prosperous future, which he feels is currently a distant goal.

Persons

Karan Johar, Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Jr. NTR

Company Names

Bollywood Hungama

Titles

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, War 2

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