The magnum opus Kalank, directed by Abhishek Varman and produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, did not go down well with either critics or the audience. Despite having talented actors like Madhuri Dixit, Sanjay Dutt, Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, the film ended up earning a mere Rs 80.35 crore at the box office.
Finally, Karan Johar has opened up about the failure of Kalank in an interview to DNA. The filmmaker explained how this setback actually made him stronger. “After Kalank, I realised that there is a reason why you fail. The film’s director Abhishek Varman and I sat down to analyse where we faltered”, Karan said, adding that he is personally involved with each and every film that Dharma produces because he is the creative producer.
Karan Johar also added that Kalank is his “failure” because the film was very close to his heart. “I am knowledgeable about what works and what doesn’t when it comes to a film, so if a film hasn’t done well it is my responsibility as well as blame.
The material was there with me for 15 long years, and the film was very close to my heart. Perhaps that is why it lost a certain objectivity.Karan Johar
“I failed Kalank because I could not be the right governing force”, Karan told DNA.
However, Karan admitted that the failure of Kalank has taught him a great deal and made him more analytical. “Now, I put my projects through a number of trials before it finally reaches the audience. I did not have a single breakdown after Kalank tanked at the box office. Of course, every member associated with the film was a pillar of support. They fought till the end. I look at Kalank like a success that has taught me so much”, the filmmaker said.
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