Filmmaker Karan Johar recently expressed that assembling a star-studded cast for a film like his iconic Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham is now nearly impossible. He cited the sky-high remuneration levels and a shift in industry dynamics, where actors over-analyse and are influenced by numerous advisors, making collaborative projects economically unfeasible and creatively challenging in today’s Bollywood landscape.In conversation with Bollywood Hungama, Karan recently admitted that assembling a star-studded cast for a film today is incredibly challenging. He highlighted War 2, featuring Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR, as a prime example of a blockbuster collaboration, noting the immense value in bringing together two of the biggest stars from different film industries. Johar explained that uniting two lead actors and actresses in a single film is now difficult due to various factors. He pointed out that actors often have their own strategies, ideologies, and opinions, further complicated by the constant advice they receive from their advisors.The filmmaker reflected on the stark contrast in how actors approached projects in the early 2000s. He noted that back then, actors were far less analytical. As an example, he mentioned that Shah Rukh Khan agreed to Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham without even reading the script, simply saying he wanted to do it because “it’s Karan’s film.” Johar added that Shah Rukh still operates this way, choosing films based on his relationship with the person involved. However, Johar lamented that today’s actors “over-analyse, over-think, over-expect, over box-officing — and therefore, not over-achieving.”He also spoke candidly about the shift in industry dynamics, noting how even people close to him no longer consistently heed his advice. He explained that even if they listen to him, actors often revert to their management, individual advisors, family members, or partners. Johar believes this expanded “advisory chamber” and the constant influence of social media are leading to information overload, ultimately clouding conviction.Karan also stressed the need for the return of good old-fashioned conviction, where decisions are made spontaneously without overthinking. Johar lamented the current preoccupation with individual screen time and roles, stating that multi-starrers “used to be so easy.” Beyond creative challenges, he highlighted the economic hurdles. Johar noted that current remuneration demands are unaffordable, with everyone wanting an arm and a leg without fully grasping the challenging reality of the box office. He urged the industry to collaborate to resolve this situation, emphasizing the need to move towards a more prosperous period, which he feels is currently a distant prospect.
