Karan Johar Break breaks silence on 2 delays, admire the sensitivity of the sensor board
‘Dhadak 2’ examines caste-based injustice with a commitment to tell a meaningful story by religious-prints. The film’s complex certification process highlights cooperation with CBFC for sensitive materials.
In short
- Dhadak 2 focuses on Tamil film on caste discrimination
- The film faced 16 cuts before receiving certification from CBFC
- Karan Johar praised the understanding and compassion of the censor board
Filmmaker Karan Johar defended the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which has faced criticism for its harsh demands on films like ‘Santosh’, ‘Janaki vs State of Kerala’ and ‘Punjab 95’. Speaking at the trailer launch of his upcoming film Dhadak 2, which was allegedly undergoing 16 cuts before receiving certification, Cijo praised the board, saying it was “trying to protect sensitivity.”
In this program, Karan Johar emphasized the commitment of Dharma Productions to address important topics through cinema. He said, “Religion Productions is always associated with a certain type of cinema. Time and then, we have tried to shape our narratives responsibly. We have constantly chosen the subjects that case, and presented them with extreme sensitivity,” he said.
He discussed the power of cinema as an impressive art form. “The power to influence art, and cinema we have one of the most influential mediums,” he commented. ‘Dhadak 2’, described as the mainstream, is yet courageous, dealt with difficult questions, especially focuses on caste-based injustice.
The film addresses a conversion, caste discrimination and social boycott of the film, 2018 Tamil film ‘Paroram Perumal’. Despite facing challenges during his delay release, Johar confirmed his stance on the truth inside the cinema. He said, “I never feared the results of telling the truth,” he said, a feeling in the trailer of the film echoed.
‘Dhadak 2’s travel on screen was not without obstacles, requiring 16 cuts before certification. Johar praised the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for his understanding and compassion, saying, “Yes, it took us some time to reach theaters, but the sensor board was understanding and kind. He believed what we were trying to tell.”
Accepting the challenges faced during the certification process, Johar explained the importance of working within the CBFC deadline. “We respect his approach. Sometimes, these processes take time,” they explained. He highlighted the general trend of filmmakers to work at the last minute, causing complaints when necessary.
Johar was clear that despite the comprehensive certification process, no compromise was made on the contents of the film. “But we filmmakers often work at the last minute, and then complain when the change is requested. But let me be clear, no compromise was made (on Dhadak 2),” he said.
‘Dhadak 2’, which examines the subjects of caste and social discrimination, was originally slate for release in November 2024, but was pushed by March 2025 due to certification delay. It is now finally ready to release on 1 August. Directed by debutant Shazia Iqbal, the film has described Siddhant Chaturvedi and Tripipai Dimri in the lead roles.
