Karan Johar on 18 years of Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna: The road that I need not have taken, but it was the best decision

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Even after 18 years, Karan Johar continues to receive praise for his brilliant casting in Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, a film that blatantly tackles infidelity. With Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji as cheating spouses on Preity Zinta and Abhishek Bachchan, respectively, and Amitabh Bachchan playing a flamboyant playboy, Sexy Sam, the film's casting and bold themes sparked a lively discussion. Now, 18 years after its release, KJo looks back and calls it one of the best decisions of his life.

Karan Johar reflects on Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna's impact

Karan took to his Instagram page, shared a montage video of KANK featuring BTS moments from the film, and wrote a heartfelt note. The filmmaker stated that the film was the path he should not have taken, but he is glad he did because it has been the greatest decision he has ever made. Not only did this film reminisce about the best times with my incredible cast—who were more like family to him—but it also gave Karan the confidence to share stories that he believed in, about relationships that were complex and beautiful, much like life itself.

Check out the video below:

Plot summary: A tale of complex relationships

Dharma Productions produced the 2006 romantic drama Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (KANK), for which Karan Johar and Shibani Bathija co-wrote the screenplay. Amitabh Bachchan, Sha Rukh, Rani Mukherji, Preity Zinta, Abhishek Bachchan, and Kirron Kher are among the film's stars. "A Love... That Broke All Relationships" was the advertising slogan for the film, which deals with topics including adultery in marriage and unhealthy relationships.

In the film, the protagonists, Dev and Maya, are married to separate people who they think are content with their lives—until they cross paths.

An injury ends the career of professional football player Dev (Shah Rukh Khan) just when he was starting to blossom, and his career-soaring wife is Rhea (Preity Zinta). Kirron Kher portrays Kamaljit, Dev's mother, who resides with them and their child Arjun (Ahsaas Channa). Abhishek Bachchan plays Rishi, a public relations expert, and Rani Mukerji plays his wife, Maya, a nursery school teacher. The flamboyant and fun-loving Samarjit Singh (Amitabh Bachchan), who is Rishi's father, is primarily concerned with making sure his son and daughter-in-law are happy.

Despite their underlying discontent, the two spouses appear satisfied. However, things begin to shift as Dev and Maya become closer through a fortuitous encounter. They develop a bond of friendship after experiencing an odd connection. Problems arise during their time together. As a result of their newfound connection, Dev and Maya examine their marriages from different angles and confront problems they hadn't before. The core of Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna is how each character handles this sudden change in their lives.

Subtle themes explored in the film include the possibility of finding one's soulmate after marriage, the impact of marital strife on families, and the dire repercussions of choosing the wrong spouse.

Inspiration behind the film and later works

The inspiration for the film came from an interview Karan Johar gave about seeing a married couple in London part ways amicably. Both his breakup and Richard Linklater's romantic movie Before Sunset (2004) prompted him to delve into the intricate aspects of love, marriage, and relationships, which led to the plot of Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna. Shakun Batra directed Gehraiyaan (2022), Johar's later work, drawing inspiration from films such as Yash Chopra's Silsila (1981), Mahesh Bhatt's Arth (1982), and Mike Nichols' Closer (2004).

The song's music was composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, and Javed Akhtar wrote the lyrics.

Critical reception and box office success

On August 11, 2006, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna made its global theatrical debut, dividing critics. Some panned the film for its controversial themes and script, while others lauded its technical elements, visual effects, and score. The film was financially successful, earning more than any other Hindi film that year. Upon its release, it achieved the distinction of being the highest-grossing Indian film ever in terms of overseas earnings. More than 1,200 cinemas worldwide screened the film, earning a total of Rs. 1.13 billion. The 31st Toronto International Film Festival screened the film in addition to its screening at the 21st Tokyo International Film Festival.