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People across the globe have a misconception about Indian cinema: Karan Johar

People across the globe have a misconception about Indian cinema: Karan Johar

The director/producer feels that Indian cinema is known for song and dance
18 Feb, 2018

Karan Johar wants to change the global perception of Indian cinema and he's urging other filmmakers to do their part in bringing about this change.

"I feel very sad when I still see people across the globe having this misconception about Indian cinema that it is all about song and dance," said the director at the Berlinale 2018.

"This stereotypical view about our films can only be changed when we as part of the entertainment industry go out and tell people that we have much more to offer in terms of storytelling and content than just actors dancing around trees."

However, of late, KJo feels that films like Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, PadMan and Bareilly Ki Bar have offered more to than "cliched sequences".

Citing an example of Aamir Khan's films' success in China he said, "India cinema is a victim of misconceptions on global stage. The way Aamir's (Khan) films have been performing in China proves that we can make a huge mark globally. But only dialogue initiated by our filmmakers and actors can bring about this change."

"I am all about content. All I am doing as producer is looking at films which have world language. It is about picking films that speak global language and that can only happen when the content appeals to the masses superseding the language barrier," he added.

"It is not necessary that films I make will coincide with the kind of films I produce or present. My process as a director is mine and mine alone and I do what I am convinced with as a storyteller. But that doesn't mean I am not open to global possibilities of films that I would like to present and produce. The idea is always to take giant leaps for the development of Indian cinema."

Karan expressed that its every Indian filmmakers responsibility to spread a positive message globally about their industry which breaks people's misconception.

"To make their cinema visible globally filmmakers and actors have to get up and do things on their own. I travelled the world to speak about my cinema. Everybody has a responsibility to make India visible globally. It is important that a filmmaker develop a voice and act on that. They can’t just sit in offices and think that they are making a big movement in cinema... They are not. They need to go out speak about their cinema and the country they produce films in. What I am doing... I believe all of us (filmmakers) should be doing it."

Comments

JoshuaConnor Feb 18, 2018 12:33pm
No we do not think it is just songs and dance. Bollywood is known for its cheesiness
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Neo Feb 18, 2018 03:23pm
Simple. Make better movies. One or two good movies a year from arguably the biggest film industry in the world is just not good enough.
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Vijay PATEL Feb 18, 2018 04:07pm
Even songs are horrible. There is only one theme: two main characters dancing in front while other jokes dancing in the background. Absolutely no creativity.
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R Sultan Feb 18, 2018 04:21pm
There are many Bollywood films that can entertain international audiences - Aamir Khan starrer Sarfarosh onwards to 3 Idiots, Taarey Zameen per, PK, Dangal, Something Superstar and his TV serial on social issues. Then there are others like Bhajrangi Bhaijaan, Sultan, etc. All Anurag Kashyap's productions, Kalki Koechlin starred films and Naseerudin Shah acted films are brilliant. Plenty there from year dot
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Trump Et Feb 18, 2018 04:52pm
Don't just talk. Stop producing sub-standard stuff.
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MKhan Feb 18, 2018 09:47pm
@R Sultan: A few drops in the ocean, the rare exception!
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Siddhartha Feb 19, 2018 12:55am
You are right Sir. I also have a misconception about Bollywood Movies and not feel like correct it.
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skumar Feb 19, 2018 04:04pm
first karan johar has a misconception that indian cinema is only about bollywood. Once this goes everything will fall in its place.
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DIPAK SINGHAM Feb 20, 2018 05:40pm
First Karan Johar should stop making those misconception films under his banner.
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