Karan Johar has made a clear statement about his filmmaking philosophy. He says his company must produce profitable mainstream movies to support artistic projects like Homebound. This revelation came during a recent interview where Johar discussed the delicate balance between commerce and art in Bollywood.
The Double-Edged Sword of Filmmaking
Johar spoke openly about the financial realities of the film industry. He explained that movies intended to shape generations often do not earn massive box office numbers. Meanwhile, films with high energy, thumping music, and strong commercial appeal frequently make hundreds of crores. This creates what Johar calls a double-edged sword for filmmakers.
Shaping vs. Catering to Generations
The filmmaker posed a critical question during his interview. Should Bollywood focus on shaping the next generation or simply cater to existing tastes? Johar acknowledged that many studios currently prioritize catering to younger audiences rather than attempting to shape their perspectives through content.
He highlighted filmmakers like Neeraj Ghaywan, Shazia Iqbal, and Zoya Akhtar as examples of conscious creators. These directors relentlessly tell stories meant to shape generations, often without significant concern for commercial success.
The Dharma Productions Strategy
Johar revealed his company's practical approach to this challenge. Dharma Productions creates mainstream commercial hits to generate revenue. This money then funds artistic ventures like Homebound. The filmmaker described this as a necessary balance within the industry.
"To every Animal, there will be a Homebound," Johar stated. "To every Dhadak 2, there will be a Dhurandhar. There will always be a balance." He emphasized that conscious filmmakers and mainstream voices should coexist in the film ecosystem.
Recent Examples from Dharma
In 2025, Dharma Productions released both Homebound and Dhadak 2. Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and starring Vishal Jethwa and Ishaan Khatter, stands on the verge of Oscar recognition. The film has been shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards.
Dhadak 2 also received substantial critical acclaim upon its release. Meanwhile, Johar's own directorial venture Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani addressed socially conscious themes within a mainstream framework. However, Johar noted that bigger commercial hits like Animal, Gadar, Jawan, and Pathaan dominated the box office that same year.
The Financial Reality of Artistic Cinema
Johar explained the economic mechanism behind his strategy. The substantial profits from high-testosterone commercial cinema enable him to fund projects like Homebound. This approach allows artistic films to be made without excessive pressure to be profitable.
"I need to make that money for my company so I can make many more Homebounds," Johar stated. "The more money I make through high testosterone cinema, that way I can make Homebound and not care about the profitability but make it really for society."
The filmmaker's comments highlight the ongoing tension between artistic ambition and commercial necessity in Bollywood. As Homebound awaits the Oscar shortlist announcement on January 22, Johar's words underscore the complex financial calculations behind meaningful cinema in India's film industry.
