Karan Johar takes on stereotypes about Dharma Productions at TIFF; says, “If my name was Karan Kashyap, I would do so much better with a certain section of people”

Karan Johar challenges perceptions of Dharma Productions at TIFF Q&A.

By Bollywood Hungama News Network -

September 14, 2023 - 11:05 AM IST

Filmmaker Karan Johar has been riding high on the success of his recent film, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, which garnered both critical acclaim and commercial success. Currently, Karan is fully engrossed in his latest production venture, Kill, an action thriller that recently had its world premiere at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

Karan Johar takes on stereotypes about Dharma Productions at TIFF; says, “If my name was Karan Kashyap, I would do so much better with a certain section of people”

During the post-screening Q&A session at TIFF, Karan Johar, along with Guneet Monga (co-producer of Kill), was asked how he decided that this film was a suitable addition to Dharma Productions' portfolio. Karan expressed his determination to challenge the perception that his production house, Dharma Productions, was pigeonholed into specific genres. He addressed the common misconceptions that his films were exclusively family-oriented, NRI-friendly, or centred around wealthy characters. Karan Johar stated, “I have been trying to break this perception that Dharma Productions is burdened by because I still get asked 'Oh you only make family films' or 'you only make NRI-friendly films...or 'You make films about rich people'. It's really ridiculous that you get slotted.” He even humorously remarked that he might have fared better if his name were “Karan Kashyap” among certain audience segments. He said, “You are doomed by perception. If my name was Karan Kashyap, I would do so much better with a certain section of people. It's like I'm doomed by my own name.”

Speaking of his work commitments, Karan Johar recently returned to direction after seven years with Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt. The film is declared as a box office success with it also garnering immense love for its portrayal of some unconventional subjects. Furthermore, it also features veteran stars like Jaya Bachchan, Dharmendra, and Shabana Azmi in lead roles, along with other actors like Kshitee Jog, Anjal Anand, Aamir Bashir, Churni Ganguly, Tota Roy Chowdhury, among others in pivotal roles. The film released on July 28.

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