Happy Birthday Karan Johar: From Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani to Bedhadak, here’s a look at filmmaker’s upcoming movies

The maverick filmmaker Karan Johar , son of late film producer and founder of Dharma Productions Yash Johar, has emerged to be one of the prominent personalities of Indian cinema. In a long span of about 22 years, he has created a niche for himself in the film industry that majorly boasts romance, comedy, and opulent family drama.

Karan started off as an assistant director for the 1995 film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge directed by Aditya Chopra . Later in 1998, he made his directorial debut with Kuch Kuch Hota Hai starring Shah Rukh Khan , Kajol , and Rani Mukerji. The romantic comedy-drama was produced under his banner Dharma Productions and became a blockbuster. Since then, Karan as director and producer has been delivering hits like Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Gham, Kal Ho Na Ho, Dostana , Student of the Year, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani , and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil among others.

As the filmmaker turns 50 today, we take a look at his upcoming slate of movies that will be helmed and bankrolled under his production house Dharma Productions.

Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani : After the 2016 film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Karan returns to the director’s chair with the family drama, Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani starring Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh in the lead roles. The veteran actors Dharmendra , Jaya Bachchan, and Shabana Azmi will feature in the supporting roles. The film is slated to hit theatres on February 10, 2023.

Brahmastra : Helmed by Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani director Ayan Mukerji , the film is reportedly a fantasy adventure trilogy that will release in parts. Produced under Karan’s Dharma Productions, the film will see Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor sharing screen space for the first time. The film also features Amitabh Bachchan , Nagarjuna, and Mouni Roy .

Jug Jugg Jeeyo : Co-produced by Dharma Production and Viacom 18 Studios, the romantic comedy drama explores the complexities of relationships after marriage. Helmed by Raj Mehta, the film has an ensemble cast including Varun Dhawan , Kiara Advani , Anil Kapoor , Neetu Kapoor, Maniesh Paul, and Prajakta Kohli. It is set to release in cinemas on June 24.

Govinda Naam Mera: Touted to be on similar lines to Kartik Aaryan ’s Pati Patni Aur Woh , Govinda Naam Mera will see Vicky Kaushal juggling between wife played by Bhumi Pednekar and girlfriend essayed by Kiara Advani in Shashank Khaitan directorial comedy-drama produced under Dharma Productions.

Liger: Produced by Karan Johar, Puri Jagannadh, and Charmme Kaur, Liger is an upcoming action-packed sports drama being shot in Telugu and Hindi simultaneously. Featuring Vijay Deverakonda as a kickboxer alongside Ananya Panday , the film will also see the iconic boxer, Mike Tyson , in a cameo appearance. The film is set to release on August 25, 2022.

Yodha : Backed by Dharma Productions, Yodha is touted to be an aerial action film starring Sidharth Malhotra , Disha Patani , and Raashi Khanna in lead roles. Directed by Pushkar Ojha and Sagar Ambre, the film is scheduled to release on November 11, 2022.

Bedhadak: In March, Karan announced the launch of debutants Shanaya Kapoor, Lakshya , and Gurfateh Pirzada in the upcoming film titled Bedhadak. Karan’s long-time collaborator Shashank Khaitan will direct and co-produce the film via his Mentor Disciple Films.

Meanwhile, Karan had also announced his two projects, Takht and Dostana 2 . However, it is being reported that the films might have been shelved due to unknown reasons. While Takht, a period drama features Vicky Kaushal, Ranveer Singh, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Janhvi Kapoor , Alia Bhatt and Anil Kapoor in prominent roles. Dostana, on the other hand, is the second installment of Karan’s hit franchise Dostana. The film was earlier set to cast Kartik Aaryan, Janhvi Kapoor, and Lakshya in the lead roles. However, Kartik has stepped out, and makers have not yet decided on his replacement.