Multi-starrer films were once a dominant trend in Indian cinema, especially during the golden days of Bollywood. Classics like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna were prime examples of ensemble casting done right. However, that era seems to have faded, as multi-starrer projects have become increasingly rare in today’s film industry.

Acclaimed filmmaker Karan Johar, known for his successful multi-starrer dramas, recently opened up about why such films are difficult to make in the current generation. In a candid interview, Karan expressed his frustration over how actors today tend to overthink every aspect of a project.

“It’s very difficult now,” Karan said. “Actors today come with their own strategies, advisors, and ideologies. Back in the day, people just went with their gut. When Shah Rukh accepted K3G, he didn’t even read the script. He knew it was my film, saw who else was in it, and just said, ‘Yaar karlenge.’ That kind of instinctive decision-making is gone.”

He further added that today’s actors often get swayed by external influences. “Even if I explain the benefits of doing a multi-starrer, they go home and start overanalyzing after speaking to their friends, family, better halves, or even fans on social media. Everyone’s overthinking everything, which is why we are not overachieving.”

Despite the challenges, Karan expressed his excitement for this year’s most anticipated multi-starrer — War 2. He said, “The biggest film of the year is War 2, featuring Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR sharing screen space. That’s a dream combo — two powerhouses from Bollywood and South cinema coming together. It rarely happens, and that’s exactly what makes it so special. Bringing two male or female leads together in one film has become incredibly tough these days.”

In a time when individuality and image control dominate actors’ decisions, Karan Johar’s comments shine a light on the changing dynamics of Bollywood — and the longing for a more collaborative, instinct-driven approach to filmmaking.