Karan Johar confesses to Bollywood’s box office numbers deception

Renowned filmmaker Karan Johar shed light on several topics during a candid conversation. The director, who marked his return to the silver screen with “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani,” candidly discussed the challenges faced by Indian filmmakers and the transformative impact of the rise of OTT platforms.

Addressing a common industry practice, Karan openly admitted that box office figures in Bollywood are at times misrepresented. He boldly stated, “We are all liars. We are all big, fat liars. The industry sometimes fudges up box office numbers as well.” This candid admission highlights the complex dynamics of the film business and how the industry navigates its financial aspects.

In the conversation, Karan delved into his perspective on Indian cinema’s uniqueness. He emphasized that Indian cinema stands out for its individualistic nature, pointing to the practice of having intervals during movies – a concept akin to theatrical performances. He explained, “It’s so difficult to make a successful Indian film. Because you actually stop your narrative; you eat your popcorn; you chat with each other; you block the narrative, and then you start it again.” This insight underscores the intricate challenge of engaging Indian audiences and maintaining the momentum of a film’s storyline despite these breaks.

Shifting the discussion to the evolving landscape, Karan highlighted the significant impact of OTT platforms. He expressed, “I don’t think OTT content is a threat to cinema. I believe that one empowers the other.” Karan acknowledged the unique strengths of both mediums, particularly praising OTT platforms for providing a conducive environment for writers to thrive. He explained that the series format, prominent in OTT content, is inherently writer-focused, allowing for in-depth character development and storytelling over several episodes. This format stands in contrast to the more concise storytelling approach of films, and Karan appreciated the distinct journey each format offers to viewers.

As a closing note, it’s worth mentioning Karan’s recent engagements beyond filmmaking. He participated as a panel member at the 14th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne and has received an invitation from the Academy of Motion Pictures and Arts to join as a member. These endeavors underscore his active involvement in the film industry and his growing influence on its global stage.

Karan Johar’s conversation touched on key aspects of the film industry, from the honest admission of box office number manipulation to his insights on Indian cinema’s distinctiveness and the transformative power of OTT platforms. His perspectives offer a valuable glimpse into the complex world of filmmaking and its ever-evolving dynamics.

Karan Johar has also expressed his anticipation to view Kangana’s movie “Emergency.” When asked if he would consider creating a film about a political incident, the director referred to Kangana’s political drama “Emergency” and stated, “Emergency is in the process of being made, and I am looking forward to watching it.”

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