"I Was Wrong": Karan Johar Regrets Making a Film With 800-Crore Actress Shraddha Kapoor

Filmmaker Karan Johar, known for launching and shaping the careers of Bollywood's biggest stars, has made a rare confession. In a candid conversation on On Purpose with Jay Shetty, Karan admitted that producing the 2017 film OK Jaanu, starring Shraddha Kapoor and Aditya Roy Kapur, was a decision he deeply regrets.

The film, a remake of Mani Ratnam's Tamil hit O Kadhal Kanmani, failed to impress both critics and audiences. Despite the lead pair’s previous blockbuster success with Aashiqui 2, lightning didn’t strike twice.

Karan revealed that he ignored his instincts while making OK Jaanu. “In my heart, I really thought, ‘Should this film be remade?’ Because it is so much about that moment. Can that moment be recreated?” he reflected. Despite his doubts, the project moved forward under director Shaad Ali, and Karan praised the team’s efforts—but felt something vital was missing.

He admitted, “Somehow, we couldn’t recreate the magic of the original. It was nobody’s fault. But my conscience told me I shouldn’t do it. And I did. That’s when I realised I should listen to my conscience. I went wrong.”

The film’s failure was a turning point. Karan added, “Every failure of mine is as special as my success. It’s just the way I look at it that’s different.”

While OK Jaanu didn’t live up to expectations, Karan’s honesty and willingness to own his missteps show the maturity of a filmmaker who continues to evolve—even after decades in the industry.