Karan Johar Defies Stereotypes with Action Thriller ‘Kill’ at TIFF Premiere

Karan Johar is currently engaged in the promotion of his latest production, “Kill,” an action-packed thriller that recently had its global debut at the esteemed Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Following the film’s premiere, during a conversation with Guneet Monga, Karan discussed his efforts to challenge the prevailing notion that Dharma Productions exclusively creates films centered around families or affluent individuals.

Addressing the audience in a post-screening discussion, Karan responded to a question about his involvement in a project like “Kill,” which diverges significantly from the typical fare associated with his production company. He expressed, “I’ve been working to dispel this preconception that haunts Dharma Productions. I’m still asked, ‘Oh, you only produce family-oriented films,’ or ‘You exclusively cater to NRIs,’ or ‘You specialize in stories about the wealthy.’ It’s truly absurd to be pigeonholed in this way.”

With a touch of humor, he added a playful nod to filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, remarking, “Perception can be a curse. If my surname were Kashyap instead of Johar, I might find more favor with a certain demographic. It’s as if I’m confined by my own name.” Notably, Anurag Kashyap is recognized for his portrayal of unvarnished and intense characters in films like “Black Friday,” “Dev D.,” “Gangs of Wasseypur,” and “Ugly.” Interestingly, Karan Johar also portrayed the antagonist in Anurag Kashyap’s “Bombay Velvet” (2013).

Regarding “Kill,” it is a collaborative effort between Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and Guneet Monga’s Sikhya Entertainment. Directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhatt, this action thriller features Lakshya in his inaugural role, alongside Raghav Juyal and Tanya Maniktala. Following its premiere, the film garnered enthusiastic acclaim from both critics and audiences.

Karan Johar’s most recent release, “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani,” hit theaters on July 28. This family-centric drama starred Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Shabana Azmi, Jaya Bachchan, and Dharmendra. The film received positive feedback from critics and viewers alike, amassing a global box office revenue of ₹340 crore within a month.

Additionally, Karan Johar recently shared a deleted scene from the film featuring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt. Furthermore, previously unseen footage from the Saregama Caravan Medley was unveiled a few days ago.