Filmmaker Karan Johar has expressed significant concern regarding what he describes as a growing "herd mentality" within the Hindi film industry. In a discussion with Anupama Chopra for The Hollywood Reporter India, Johar highlighted a trend where actors are increasingly prioritizing the cultivation of "alpha male" screen personas over exploring diverse character narratives.
Johar revealed that he has encountered leading actors who stop narration sessions to suggest that a character is not "front-footed" or "alpha" enough. He contrasted this modern pressure to conform to perceived box-office trends with the success of iconic, gentler characters, such as Raj from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, who won audience support through restraint rather than aggression. He also cited the success of the film Saiyaara as evidence that audiences remain receptive to empathetic and sensitive male protagonists despite the recent popularity of more aggressive films like Kabir Singh, Animal, and Dhurandhar.
Beyond character development, the filmmaker raised concerns about stars attempting to exert control over technical and administrative aspects of filmmaking. According to Johar, actors frequently question production details that fall outside their professional purview, such as visual effects (VFX) budgets, folklore inclusion, and whether a script is sufficiently "rooted." He further criticized the tendency of some actors to involve themselves in casting decisions, promotional strategies, trailer cuts, and poster designs.
Johar expressed frustration at these shifts, noting that he is often "flummoxed" by the insecurities or vulnerabilities that drive actors to move into roles traditionally managed by directors and production teams. He questioned the professional focus of these individuals, stating, "They want to become box-office gurus, trade analysts, perception setters, campaign makers, trailer cutters and poster makers. When are you acting exactly?"
Key facts
- Karan Johar discussed these industry trends in an interview with Anupama Chopra for The Hollywood Reporter India.
- The filmmaker explicitly criticized actors who demand their characters be more "alpha" or "front-footed" to ensure commercial success.
- Johar stated that actors often question him on technical matters like VFX budgets and whether a film's content is "rooted."
- He admitted that he believes the industry itself is partly responsible for creating these "monstrosities" by allowing actors to overstep their creative boundaries.
Background
Karan Johar is a prominent Indian filmmaker known for his work in Bollywood. His comments reflect a broader ongoing debate within the industry regarding the balance of creative control between directors and lead actors in an era of shifting audience preferences.
Source: Times of India, Indian Express
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