Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar recently shared his perspective on storytelling in an engaging interview with Komal Nahata on the YouTube channel Game Changers. Karan highlighted the critical role of conviction in filmmaking, explaining how belief in a story often overshadows the need for logic. He used SS Rajamouli’s blockbuster films, including RRR, as prime examples of how storytelling thrives on conviction.
Conviction Over Reason: The Mystery Behind Blockbusters
When questioned about the position of logic in film, Karan Johar had this to say, “Conviction is extremely important. If you observe anything, particularly if you examine the journey of the greatest filmmakers, you’ll realize that the greatest hits are founded on conviction. Logic does not matter in a film.”
Taking SS Rajamouli’s work as reference, Karan emphasized that movies such as RRR work not because they are based on logic, but because they are charged with unwavering faith in the story. He said, “Where do you see logic? You only see conviction. And when conviction comes to the forefront, even the audience believes in it.”
Examples of Conviction in Indian Cinema
Karan explained how conviction has been the driving force for some of India’s most classic films. He mentioned examples such as Animal, RRR, and Gadar. Speaking of Gadar, he joked, “If you can kill a thousand people with one hand pump, that’s conviction. Anil Sharma is convinced Sunny Deol can do this. That is sheer conviction.”
He went on to state that the director should never second-guess themselves or the audience. “The only issue happens when you start doubting yourself, second-guessing the audience, and overthinking in terms of logic,” Karan said, challenging filmmakers to give their creative intuitions completely.
Karan Johar’s Upcoming Projects
Professionally, Karan Johar is gearing up for the release of his upcoming production, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari. Directed by Shashank Khaitan, the romantic drama stars Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor, Sanya Malhotra, and Rohit Saraf and will hit screens on April 18, 2025.
Also, Karan is supporting Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri with Kartik Aaryan and Kesari Chapter 2, with Akshay Kumar and R. Madhavan, under his Dharma Productions banner.
Karan’s observations and his future projects reinforce his long-lasting impact on Indian cinema, based on storytelling where belief takes precedence over logic.
