Karan Johar, the renowned producer-director, has made a mark with his iconic films. After a long hiatus from directing, he made a comeback with ‘Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani’ in 2023. The film, starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, was a hit at the box office. Johar recently opened up about the challenges he faced during its making.
Returning to Direction After Seven Years
The success of ‘Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani’ was a welcome relief for Johar, who was nervous about its reception. In a recent interview with Raj Shamani, he shared his biggest insecurity. Johar revealed that he was apprehensive about the film’s release, especially since it was sandwiched between other big releases like ‘Oppenheimer’, ‘Barbie’, and ‘Gadar 2’.
The Fear of Failure
When asked about his biggest insecurity, Johar cited the fear of failure. He explained that the trailer’s lukewarm reception made him anxious about the film’s prospects. Johar was worried that if the film didn’t do well, he wouldn’t be taken seriously as a director. However, the film’s eventual success put his fears to rest.
A Challenging Release
Johar described the experience of releasing ‘Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani’ as being “stuck in the middle.” The film’s release date was initially set for July 2022, but it got delayed. By the time it was released, the market was saturated with other big films. Despite these challenges, the film found its footing and resonated with audiences.
Overcoming Insecurities
Johar’s candor about his insecurities offers a glimpse into the mind of a filmmaker who has been in the industry for decades. His willingness to share his fears and doubts makes him more relatable. Despite his fears, ‘Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani’ turned out to be a success, both critically and commercially. The film’s positive reception has likely alleviated some of Johar’s concerns about being taken seriously as a director.