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Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound is India’s official entry to Oscars, and the film has been garnering a lot of attention since its release here. While the film continues to receive massive critical acclaim, its box-office performance has remained underwhelming. Amidst this, producer Karan Johar, whose Dharma Productions backed the project, recently made a remark about the film’s commercial performance that sparked widespread controversy. The reactions became so intense that Karan had to issue a clarification for the same. Now, filmmaker Neeraj has defended Karan’s comments.
Speaking to Lallantop Cinema, Neeraj expressed disappointment over the criticism directed at Karan, emphasising the producer’s sincerity and emotional investment in the film. “See, he has such a big production banner, he is such a big producer, he has no need to back a film like this. And he is also aware that the film won’t be a big blockbuster, it won’t earn profits for him. But the emotional ethos of the film had touched him, that’s why he decided to stand by the film. He used to say that I just want to be a part of it in some way. Now to see people questioning his honesty, casting aspersions on him, it really breaks my heart.”
The director also added that misrepresenting Karan’s remarks could discourage him from backing independent projects like this in the future. “Presenting something what he said somewhere by completely misquoting and misconstruing it, that can totally break his morale, this is like undervaluing the contribution he has made to the film. I’m very disturbed by seeing all this. In fact, this is such a big moment that a big banner like his has decided to make a sensitive film like this with an independent filmmaker. We should actually pat their back for doing this and encourage them to make such films. But if we do this, then it will only break their spirit and such films won’t be made in future. I request everyone to think about this and understand that what he said has been completely flipped around.”
Clarifying Karan’s original comments, Neeraj specifically explained,“What he said was completely from a business perspective, that perhaps now he will think before deciding what he will make next. He never said he won’t make a film like Homebound again.” He also went on to highlight Karan’s vital role in bringing the film to life. “I want to tell you one thing about him is that the final product that you are watching now, after all the negotiations with the Censor Board (CBFC), the credit for all that goes to him.”
Neeraj recalled that Karan had read the screenplay twice, been moved by it, and gave him full creative freedom. “He told me that this is your story, you decide the way you want to tell it, I’m always there with you, standing by your side. He was there with me every single moment. And I can say this with most honesty that without him, this film wouldn’t have been made.” The filmmaker also revealed that discussions are already underway for their next project together. “He is continuously giving me ideas about what we can make next. So he is there with me and our collaboration is now going to be of many more movies.”
For context, Karan’s remarks came during a conversation with trade analyst Komal Nahta on his YouTube show Game Changers. Discussing his Rs 1,000 crore partnership with billionaire Adar Poonawalla’s Serene Productions, which involved selling 50% of Dharma Productions, Karan had said: “Now, you have to take every decision with profitability. It is very important to be profitable. We are a commercial enterprise. I made Homebound, critically acclaimed worldwide, but I can’t say if I’ll take such decisions in the future or not. I will feel upset, but I chose this deal for a reason – growth. Growth comes from profit, and profit comes from profitability. I will always be artistic, but it is important to be commercial as well.”
Following the backlash, Karan issued a clarification on Instagram, stating that his comments were “misquoted.” He wrote: “I am and will always be exceptionally proud of Homebound… it will always shine in our repertoire of films as one of our finest and most sensitively performed and directed films…. We are actively working towards making our film get a large audience and presence on a global stage and are thrilled with the day-on-day increase in domestic footfalls as well…”
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