PremiumKaran Johar recalls 'horror' from preview screenings - 'The hatred, sometimes very strongly, comes from...'
Karan Johar recounted horrifying stories from both the trial shows he recently organized for Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani and previous ones.
Last Updated: 01.23 PM, Jan 02, 2024
Filmmaker Karan Johar stated his dissatisfaction with the business tradition of doing "trial shows" before theatrical releases, stating that he constantly makes himself swear not to do so but is never able to follow through on his pledges. He recounted terrifying stories from both the trial shows he recently organized for Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani and previous ones.
During a lighthearted speech at the Galatta Plus year-end roundtable, Karan recounted the various responses he has grown accustomed to receiving during preview screenings and claimed that they are all meaningless since he is typically too anxious to provide candid criticism at the moment. “I’m sorry to say, the hatred, sometimes very strongly, comes from within the industry,” he remarked.
"Those trial shows are the worst; I don't know why we have them," Karan clarified. Those screenings will elicit the most "thanda" response, according to KJo. He said that the industry comes and mounts a high horse here and some people will leave a screening with a "well done" expression on their face. "Say something worthwhile at least?," the filmmaker added.
He continued expressing that there's also a particularly annoying group of folks who will approach and ask, "‘Can I be honest?’ No, you can’t! My film is releasing tomorrow, praise me and go home. But they’ll take you aside and tell you what’s wrong with your film, one day before (release).”
Karan claimed that he fell into this trap movie after movie. "The saddest part of it all is, each time I fall prey to it because I am a filmmaker seeking validation… Those screenings are traumatic,” he added. He also revealed that he suffered through all of this with his recent release, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani starring Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh.
Karan Johar's projects
Karan Johar returned to directing with Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. He is currently working on his next film, 'The Bull,' starring Salman Khan. The film will be directed by 'Shershaah' fame Vishnuvardhan.