In a candid interview, Karan Johar addresses the challenges of rising costs in Bollywood and stars demanding exorbitant fees despite their films underperforming.
Karan Johar, a prominent figure in the Indian film industry, recently shared his thoughts on the issue of inflation in Bollywood. The seasoned filmmaker, known for his openness, criticized actors who demand hefty fees while their films fail to make significant profits.
The Costly Demands of Movie Stars
In an interview with journalist Faye D’Souza, Karan Johar revealed a frustrating trend: many “movie stars” are asking for fees as high as Rs 35 crore, yet their films often open to a mere Rs 3.5 crore at the box office.
“There are about 10 viable actors in Hindi cinema, and they are all asking for the sun, moon, and earth,” Karan said. “So, you pay them; then you pay for the film, and then the marketing expenditure comes. And then your film doesn’t do the numbers. How’s that math working?”
Balancing Costs and Content Creation
Karan explained the difficulty in managing all these costs while still trying to produce quality content. Despite the financial strain, he continues to create films to sustain his organization.
The Need for Change in Theatrical Success
Karan also highlighted the need to redefine what it means for a film to be successful in theaters. He pointed out that after several flops in early 2024, the audience’s taste has become more discerning. Success now depends on positive performances in certain key cinema halls.
Karan Johar’s Upcoming Project
Looking ahead, Karan Johar is excited about his next production, “Bad Newz,” set to release on July 19. This follows his successful direction of “Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani” in 2023.
Stay tuned to see how Karan Johar navigates these challenges and continues to shape the future of Bollywood.
