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Karan Johar Slams Film Industry: Says "Herd Mentality" is the Biggest Issue
Updated on: 11 June, 2025 05:24 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Karan Johar
Renowned filmmaker Karan Johar has recently offered a candid take on the current state of Bollywood, pointing a finger at what he believes is its most significant challenge. The director, known for his blockbuster hits, didn`t mince words, stating that the "herd mentality" is the biggest issue plaguing the industry today.
Johar expressed his concern that many in the film fraternity are simply trying to replicate success rather than innovating. He believes this trend of emulating hit formulas to cash in on audience interest is a recipe for failure. In a recent interview, when questioned about the primary problem in Bollywood, Johar was quick to identify it as ‘herd mentality’.
Johar argued that the success of films like `Stree` and `Pushpa` stemmed from their originality and strength within their respective genres. He cautioned that merely copying these genres won`t guarantee similar success because the originals "worked because they were individually strong, and there was no other option in that genre. It was a unique thought that made those films work.”
Also Read: Karan Johar Birthday: When He Met Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio
"We all need to have individual thoughts that are unique to ourselves," Johar asserted. “Someone asked me the other day, ‘Do you have a universe?’ I was like, ‘As in?’ They were like, ‘A spy universe or a cop universe.’ I was like, ‘My universe is cinema itself.’ I am not here to build universes; I am here to tell stories. In that story, if there`s a universe, then why not?” This powerful statement underscores his commitment to storytelling over trend-chasing.
Away from industry critiques, Johar recently graced the Cannes Film Festival for the premiere of `Homebound`. Backed by his production house, the film is directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and features a talented cast including Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor.
Also Read: Homebound At Cannes: Neeraj Ghaywan On Receiving Feedback From Martin Scorsese
Johar expressed his concern that many in the film fraternity are simply trying to replicate success rather than innovating. He believes this trend of emulating hit formulas to cash in on audience interest is a recipe for failure. In a recent interview, when questioned about the primary problem in Bollywood, Johar was quick to identify it as ‘herd mentality’.
Everybody Wants to Do What Others Are Doing
Elaborating on his point, the `Kuch Kuch Hota Hai` director highlighted the industry`s tendency to chase trends. "I think it is everybody grappling to do what others are doing," he explained. "We see `Pushpa` running and catering so strongly to the tier-2 and tier-3 audiences; suddenly, we will see 20 others wanting to do the same. You see `Chhaava` working; everybody would want to make historicals. `Stree`, and everybody wants to make horror comedies."Johar argued that the success of films like `Stree` and `Pushpa` stemmed from their originality and strength within their respective genres. He cautioned that merely copying these genres won`t guarantee similar success because the originals "worked because they were individually strong, and there was no other option in that genre. It was a unique thought that made those films work.”
Also Read: Karan Johar Birthday: When He Met Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio
We Need Unique Ideas
The acclaimed director stressed the importance of creative individuality and trusting one`s own vision. He recounted a recent query about whether he was developing a cinematic universe, similar to the popular spy or cop universes. His response was a testament to his artistic philosophy."We all need to have individual thoughts that are unique to ourselves," Johar asserted. “Someone asked me the other day, ‘Do you have a universe?’ I was like, ‘As in?’ They were like, ‘A spy universe or a cop universe.’ I was like, ‘My universe is cinema itself.’ I am not here to build universes; I am here to tell stories. In that story, if there`s a universe, then why not?” This powerful statement underscores his commitment to storytelling over trend-chasing.
Away from industry critiques, Johar recently graced the Cannes Film Festival for the premiere of `Homebound`. Backed by his production house, the film is directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and features a talented cast including Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor.
Also Read: Homebound At Cannes: Neeraj Ghaywan On Receiving Feedback From Martin Scorsese
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