Karan Johar on Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani: We all have to go back to the basics if we want commercial success

Karan Johar took the directing reins for Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani late last year, nearly six years after Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. As per Mid Day, when one tells him it's been a while since he's been on a set, he nods in agreement and says that it made him realise that he loves being on set the most. He has decided to stop taking such extended breaks at the age of 50.

The break wasn't planned, and Johar had first intended to direct Takht, his monumental work. The filmmaker returned to the writing desk when the pandemic and other events caused the movie to hit a wall and created Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, starring Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan, and Shabana Azmi. He thinks that the family drama perfectly fits the audience's tastes, which have altered significantly over the last two years. 

The director told the tabloid that if filmmakers desire commercial success, they must all return to the fundamentals. One can make an artistic movie if one wants to, but be aware that their audience will get smaller. The Hindi cinema's original tadka, which was diluted throughout the years, is now in demand by moviegoers.

The notion is supported by the commercial success of KGF: Chapter 2, RRR, and Pushpa: The Rise. Johar also added that the filmmakers must return to the drama, music, dances, and emotions of youth. Although the trend of high-concept, small-town movies is fantastic, this is the reality of the day.

According to him, his upcoming movie is the prototypical happy Indian family drama where unreserved naach-gaana is present. Speaking about the senior actors in his film, Johar said that Dharmendra, who is 86 years old, is a passionate ball of affection. Shabana is an acting institution and he considers Jaya, also known as Aunty J, to be a mother on set.

Even while Johar is confident about Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, he is aware that every movie will face some criticism. The director sees it as a crucial step in developing his craft. 

He reads the compliments after the criticism. What's nasty or average needs to be said; the adulation does one no good. Johar has even read the trolls' writing, and he believes his ability to fly will increase as he becomes more grounded.