Karan Johar on Bollywood’s herd mentality: Originality is dying

Karan Johar, a name synonymous with glitz, glamour, and storytelling in Bollywood, has taken a bold stand against what he calls the “herd mentality” gripping the Hindi film industry. In an honest and sharp conversation with Bollywood Hungama, the celebrated filmmaker criticised the industry's current obsession with mass entertainers and horror-comedies—genres that have gained massive popularity following the roaring successes of Pushpa 2 and Stree 2.

“Everyone’s Trying to Replicate a Formula”

Speaking candidly, the Ae Dil Hai Mushkil director observed that filmmakers are racing to replicate trends instead of creating original content. “We see Pushpa running and catering so strongly to the tier-2 and tier-3 audiences, suddenly, we will see 20 others wanting to do the same,” Karan said. “You see Chhaava working, and everybody wants to make historicals. Stree did well, and now everyone wants to make horror-comedies.”

Karan believes that these successful films stood out not because of the genre, but because they were unique stories in their own right. “Those worked because they were individually strong, and there was no other option in that genre,” he added.

Also Read: Kareena Kapoor Khan's 'no makeup, no filter' look triggers online debate, watch

“I’m Not Here to Build Universes”

In an era where cinematic universes are the trend, Karan made it clear that he has a different creative vision. “Someone asked me the other day, ‘Do you have a universe?’ I was like, ‘As in?’ They said, ‘A spy universe or a cop universe.’ I told them, ‘My universe is cinema itself.’ I’m here to tell stories. If a universe happens within them, then so be it.”

From Filmmaker to Mind-Gamer: The Traitors India

While he critiques the industry’s lack of originality, Karan himself is entering new territory. He is set to host The Traitors India, an upcoming reality series on Prime Video that promises suspense, betrayal, and mind games. The show features an eclectic mix of 20 contestants, including Karan Kundrra, Uorfi Javed, Raj Kundra, Jannat Zubair, Raftaar, Anshula Kapoor, and Ashish Vidyarthi. The show premieres on June 12, with fresh episodes every Thursday at 8 PM.

Originality Is the Only Way Forward

Karan Johar’s comments are a timely reminder for an industry struggling between innovation and imitation. In a landscape dominated by formulas and universes, Johar urges creators to trust their unique voice and stop chasing what’s trending. After all, in his own words, "My universe is cinema."