Is Karan Johar hinting at 'Kesari 2' being Dharma's 'proudest film' having an outsider filmmaker?

Filmmaker Karan Johar, known for delivering both blockbuster hits and underwhelming films, has often found himself in the eye of controversy. While his latest production, Nadaniyaan, faced severe criticism for poor performances and weak storytelling, the renowned director-producer has chosen to focus on his next big project instead of dwelling on the negativity. Amid the backlash, Karan took to social media to share an emotional and heartfelt note about an upcoming Dharma Productions film, which is speculated to be Kesari 2.

In his note, Karan reflected on his journey as a producer, starting in 2003 with Kal Ho Naa Ho. He expressed his deep passion for filmmaking, emphasizing that the purpose of his films has always been to entertain, inspire, and bring stories to life. He acknowledged that while Dharma Productions has had both successes and failures, the intention has always been pure. He also proudly mentioned that the studio has introduced 24 debutant filmmakers to the industry, with a significant majority being outsiders, indirectly addressing the persistent nepotism allegations against him.

Karan went on to reveal his excitement for the next Dharma film, which has been in development for four years under the guidance of a debutant director. He commended the filmmaker’s dedication and resilience, especially in overcoming challenges like pandemic-related delays. He expressed immense pride in the team, the cast, and the technical crew, highlighting their unwavering commitment to the project. While he refrained from predicting its commercial success, he confidently stated that this film stands as one of Dharma’s proudest achievements.

Though Karan did not explicitly name the film, we believe he is referring to Kesari 2, a project linked to the upcoming biopic of late lawyer and statesman Sir Chettur Shankaran Nair. Starring Akshay Kumar, R. Madhavan, and Ananya Panday, the film revolves around Nair’s fight for justice following the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. Initially titled Shankara, the film has now been rebranded as Kesari 2 to align with the patriotic theme of the previous Kesari film, despite having no direct connection to it.

Kesari 2 is slated for a grand theatrical release on April 18, 2025. With high expectations and Karan Johar’s emotional investment in the project, fans are eagerly waiting to see if the film lives up to the hype.