Otherwise restrained when discussing his forthcoming ventures, Karan Johar was uninhibited while addressing the press on his production house’s superhero venture, tentatively titled Dragon. “It will be a trilogy and is the most ambitious film we’ve worked on,” Johar said, as he heaped praise on his leading man, Ranbir Kapoor. “Ranbir is a big part of Dharma. We have had a great innings with him so far and are looking forward to the next one.”
Addressing the media at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, Johar said the unit will commence shooting on the currently-untitled film in October or November. “The title will be decided within a month. We have spent a lot of time on the script.”
Even though he is among the most celebrated names in the industry, with hits like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), Kal Ho Naa Ho (2001) and Dostana (2003) to his credit, Karan Johar feels his contribution to cinema has been limited. The producer-filmmaker says he’s yet to taste the success that those who helmed the likes of Rang De Basanti (2006) and Lagaan (2001) did. With his hopes pinned on this Ayan Mukerji-directed film, we hear Johar even requested that the former rework the script to make Ranbir Kapoor’s character stronger. “I am willing to take the risk of making this film because I’m craving to make my mark in Indian cinema. Dangal (2016) has opened the doors for actors, who are now willing to get out of their comfort zone. Cinema needs a new order. We need to break the system and build it such that we only offer a hefty paycheck to actors if the script is given the same amount of importance. We should spend the money on building the film and writing the content instead of paying exorbitant fees to stars.”