After Dharma creative head’s criticism of Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Karan Johar praises 12th Fail: ‘Passed the test with flying colours’

Also read – Karan Johar breaks down economics of cinema, reveals the business model he follows, says OTT platforms prefer ‘licensed films’ over originals

Citing the example of an exception to the norm, Karan continued, “12th Fail just passed the test with flying colours. To anybody’s mind, that might have seemed like a great digital film, but it turned out to be a solid commercial success. Well done to the team and to Vinod Chopra, who’s such a veteran.” He added, “The tent pole films, the big cinematic experiences are more for the cinemas. And genres like dramedies or family comedies, or suspense thrillers are more tough to sell theatrically. The films that defined our 90s and early 2000s, those films are not easy to sell today.” Recently, the creative head of Karan’s Dharma Productions, Somen Mishra, chose to criticise 12th Fail director Vidhu Vinod Chopra for not crediting his writers appropriately.

This is why, Karan said, there are a lot of crime thrillers and romantic comedies being made for streaming platforms. “There is a clear divide, but there will always be exceptions to that rule,” Karan said. Asked if the industry has become more data driven, Karan said, “We have research models, we also have organisations like Ormax that predict opening numbers. You can get an indication, but there’s always that magic that you can’t predict.”

Karan admitted that filmmakers tell him not to rob them of their instincts, but his response is to remind them that they aren’t in it alone, and have a responsibility to the person footing the bills. “It’s not your money in the game. We are a balance of commerce and art. If you make a film for yourself, with your passion and your desire to tell a story, do it, but please do it with your own money,” he said.

From the homepage

US clears Excalibur artillery shells, Javelin anti-tank systems for India

SC clarifies Governor’s powers: How it answered 14 questions referred by President

90% of selected students Muslim, Sangh outfits want admission for Vaishnodevi medical college scrapped