Karan Johar reflects on his regret over producing OK Jaanu, revealing why the romantic remake failed to connect with audiences and taught him a creative lesson.
We’re used to seeing Karan Johar as Bollywood’s polished filmmaker, bold, confident, and always ready with a blockbuster. But even his impressive filmography has its own share of creative missteps that he has shared over the years. One of them being the 2017 romantic drama OK Jaanu.
In a recent interview, Johar got real about how much he regrets producing the film, starring Aditya Roy Kapur and Shraddha Kapoor. Though it came with big expectations and was a remake of Mani Ratnam’s popular Tamil film O Kadhal Kanmani, OK Jaanu failed to connect with audiences and Karan hasn’t forgotten it.
At the time, everything seemed right. The film had young stars with proven chemistry from Aashiqui 2, music by A.R. Rahman, and a solid story already loved in the South. Plus, Karan was collaborating with the legendary Mani Ratnam. It felt like a recipe for success.
But when the movie hit screens, things fell flat. Despite the glossy look and feel, OK Jaanu didn’t strike an emotional chord. It made some money, but nowhere near what was expected. Critics called it dull and emotionally hollow. Fans, too, didn’t feel the same magic they’d felt in Aashiqui 2 or the original Tamil version.
Looking back, Johar now says he regrets the decision. He admits he was too focused on the idea of the remake and not enough on whether it truly fit the world of Hindi cinema or his own style of storytelling.
Karan has always been one to own up to his hits and misses. Speaking honestly, he shared how OK Jaanu taught him a valuable lesson. Sometimes a great film in one language doesn’t always translate well into another, he said. “And sometimes, you just have to say it didn’t work.
He also acknowledged that while it’s tempting to chase trends or play it safe with remakes, that approach doesn’t always result in meaningful cinema. The experience made him more cautious, more introspective, and more focused on originality.
It wasn’t just Karan who felt the sting. For Aditya Roy Kapur, OK Jaanu came at a time when his career needed a boost. After the success of Aashiqui 2, expectations were high. But the film’s failure only added more pressure.
Shraddha Kapoor, too, felt the weight of trying to recapture old magic. Though both stars gave the film their best, the emotional impact just didn’t land. Karan has since said that while the cast worked hard, sometimes even good intentions and talent can’t save a project that lacks depth.
Johar is no stranger to criticism. What makes him stand out is how he turns every flop into a learning experience. He’s said multiple times that his failures have taught him more than his successes.
Today, he’s more selective with the stories he backs. After OK Jaanu, he returned with stronger films like Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani which were celebrated for their heart and originality.
Karan Johar’s honest reflection on OK Jaanu is a reminder that even the best filmmakers misjudge sometimes. But instead of hiding from it, he’s embraced the lesson. It’s not about pretending every project is perfect, it's about learning, evolving, and doing better next time.
In his own words, OK Jaanu is a film I wish I hadn’t made. But I’m glad I learned from it.
