On June 11, 2024, filmmaker Karan Johar criticized Bollywood’s pervasive herd mentality, highlighting how filmmakers chase trends rather than innovate, during an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama. The issue, which Johar labeled as the industry’s biggest challenge, stems from mimicking successful films like Pushpa, Stree 2, and Chhaava. His remarks, made amid evolving audience tastes, call for unique storytelling to revive Hindi cinema’s creativity.
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The Herd Mentality Crisis
Johar expressed frustration with Bollywood’s tendency to replicate box-office hits, stating, “We see Pushpa running… suddenly, we will see 20 others wanting to do the same.” He noted that Stree 2’s success sparked a horror-comedy wave, while Chhaava fueled interest in historical dramas. “These worked because they were individually strong,” Johar told emphasizing that copying genres without originality dilutes quality. He argued that films succeed due to unique ideas, not formulaic imitation, and urged filmmakers to trust their own vision.
Rejecting Cinematic Universes
Addressing the trend of building cinematic universes, Johar clarified his stance: “My universe is cinema itself. I am not here to build universes, I am here to tell stories.” He questioned the rush to emulate spy or cop universe models, asking, “How will I stand out if I copy?” in his interview. Johar’s focus remains on standalone narratives, as seen in his upcoming production Dhadak 2, featuring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri, set for release in 2025.
A Call for Change
Johar’s critique reflects Bollywood’s struggle with audience expectations and competition from regional cinema. His recent Cannes appearance for Homebound, backed by Dharma Productions, underscores his commitment to diverse storytelling. “Success cannot be emulated,” he told Bollywood Hungama, advocating for individuality over trend-chasing. As Bollywood navigates this creative crossroads, Johar’s words serve as a rallying cry for innovation.
By – Manoj