Instinct is what guides me as a filmmaker: Karan Johar
Karan Johar and Guneet Monga have teamed up after nearly 11 years to bring a film, which is touted to be India’s most violent film, ‘Kill’. The film marks the debut of television star Lakshya in the world of cinema, and it has already done quite a few rounds of festivals in various cities across the globe. Karan admitted during the trailer launch that his production, known to produce soft romantic films, has for the first time chosen to back this high octane action drama. It is directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat and stars Raghav Juyal, Taniya Maniktala and others.
Karan, who is often criticised for providing a launch pad to star kids, explained why he decided to cast an outsider, Lakshya, in the film and said, “As a filmmaker, I think it is very important for you to hone your instinct. That is all you really have, as a strong missile device, a support system. Everything that I have ever done in my career, right or wrong, has always been born out of an instinct. There have been filmmakers who have walked in, and done, literally a five-minute narration and in five minutes I have known whether I will make this film or not. I have just gone on the vibe and met multiple filmmakers, whether it was Ayan Mukherjee or Shashank Khaitan or Shakun Batra, Raj Mehta, Sharan Sharma. I am mentioning just a few. We have introduced over 25 debut filmmakers and about seven to eight lead actors. It has always been on instinct. With Lakshya, too, it was just that. When I saw his audition, within two minutes I knew that we are going to do something solid and special with him. I had not seen any of his shows on TV. So, it was just my instinct.”
Continuing further, Karan recalled feeling that same instinct when he had auditioned Alia Bhatt in 2011 while they were casting for ‘Student of The Year’. “Within two minutes I knew that I was going to cast her in ‘Student of The Year’. That audition was just a formality, because I had already spent time chatting with her. We shot her that evening. It was the same thing in Lakshya’s case. It comes from your heart. There is an inner voice that tells you, that yes, this is it. That’s exactly what happened with Lakshya,” he added.
While ‘Kill’ will be Lakshya’s dream debut with Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, the two previous films that he had signed up for – ‘Dostana 2’ and ‘Bedhadak’ – could not happen. Speaking about his experience entering the film industry with under the big production house, he said, “While you may say that I am an outsider, but I never felt an outsider in this company. As many of you know, my first project did not work out, but I never felt that this team or company has not supported me. I see the amount of time and effort that everybody has put in me. While it puts me a little bit under pressure, I am trying my best and am grateful for what they have done for me. I always feel that they have my back.”
On how ‘Kill’ happened for him, Lakshya said that he had got the script for the film and director Nikhil Nagesh Bhat liked him for the role. He added, “Apoorva Mehta sir came to the sets where we were shooting for the film. He saw some rushes of the film and praised me. We were half way through the film when Karan sir came and he, too, praised the work.”
Lakshya had earlier worked in some popular television shows like ‘Porus’, ‘Pardes Mein Hai Mera Dil’ and others. Talking about his journey from television to films, he said, “It is a special journey. Whatever is happening around me is too good to be true. I’ve worked on TV for six years and learnt a lot. My ultimate goal has been to work in films and become a film star. When it is actually happening, I can’t believe it! I just can’t explain my feelings. I almost cried after watching the trailer, and seeing myself on the big screen. Coming from the small screen to the big screen and everyone appreciating your work is a big thing. I hope this continues and keeps multiplying.”
