Filmmaker Karan Johar has candidly shared that he regrets remaking the 2015 Tamil hit OK Kanmani into OK Jaanu, which released in 2017. The film starred Aditya Roy Kapur and Shraddha Kapoor, and was directed by Shaad Ali.
Speaking on the Jay Shetty podcast, Karan reflected on the importance of trusting one’s gut feeling. He admitted that although everything seemed right on paper—popular actors fresh off the success of Aashiqui 2, a strong script, and a respected director—his inner voice told him otherwise.
“At that time, Aditya and Shraddha had just delivered a hit. The project was ready to go. But deep down, I questioned whether such a timely and emotional film should even be remade. Some stories are best left in their original moment,” Karan said.
He added that the film’s underwhelming response wasn’t anyone’s fault. “Everyone did their job well. But I didn’t listen to my instincts—and when I don’t, I usually go wrong. It’s a mistake I still make sometimes,” he confessed.
OK Jaanu focused on a modern-day love story revolving around a live-in couple, with music by A.R. Rahman. While songs like Humma Humma and Enna Sona topped charts, the film failed to meet expectations at the box office.
Looking ahead, Karan is now gearing up for the release of Dhadak 2, starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri. Directed by Shazia Iqbal and produced by Dharma Productions, Zee Studios, and Cloud 9 Pictures, the film is set to hit theatres on August 1.
