Filmmaker Karan Johar was recently criticised online for his remarks about Homebound and its box office performance. The Neeraj Ghaywan directorial released in theatres on September 26. Despite glowing reviews and international acclaim, the film struggled to perform at the box office. Amid this, Johar hinted that he might not be able to back films like Homebound in the future. After facing backlash for his comment, Johar clarified that his remarks were misquoted.
Karan Johar clarifies his viral comment
On Friday, Karan Johar took to his Instagram stories to clarify his stand on the film, which was backed by his production house, Dharma Productions. The film has also been selected as India’s official entry for the Oscars.
“I humbly request my friends and members of the media to not misconstrue or misquote my comments on our film Homebound. It was an academic chat on the business of our movies. I am and will always be exceptionally proud of Homebound. It will always shine in our repertoire as one of our finest and most sensitively performed and directed films.”
Reacting to accusations of not giving the film enough screens, he added, “We are actively working towards ensuring our film reaches a larger audience and gains presence on a global stage. We’re thrilled with the day-on-day increase in domestic footfalls as well.”
Homebound is currently in its third week and continues to see a steady rise in footfalls despite tough competition from Rishab Shetty’s Kantara Chapter 1.
What did Karan Johar say?
In a conversation with Komal Nahta, Johar spoke about selling 50 per cent of Dharma Productions to Adar Poonawalla. “Every deal has its own advantages and responsibilities. There was never accountability before this—I just learned the term ‘quarter.’ Apoorva keeps me on my toes and says, ‘Not profitable? Don’t do it.’ I’ve taken many creative decisions in the past purely for satisfaction and to push the bar of cinema. Some films may not have been box office hits, but they’re still remembered for what they were,” Johar said.
He added that while he will always value creativity, he must also stay mindful of profitability. “Now, every decision has to be taken with profitability in mind. We are a commercial enterprise. I made Homebound, which was critically acclaimed worldwide, but I can’t say if I’ll take such decisions again in the future. I’ll feel upset, but I chose this deal for growth—and growth comes from profit. I’ll always be artistic, but it’s important to be commercial as well.”
Johar’s remarks didn’t sit well with many cinema lovers, who blamed the film’s failure on poor planning and the lack of screens allotted during its release. Several also criticised Dharma Productions for releasing Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari just a week after Homebound, allegedly diverting focus from the smaller film.
