Filmmaker Karan Johar recently discussed his views on SS Rajamouli’s filmmaking style, focusing on how the celebrated director’s movies thrive on conviction rather than logic. In an insightful conversation on Komal Nahata’s YouTube show, Game Changers, Johar explained that the key to successful filmmaking lies in an unwavering belief in one’s story, even if it defies conventional logic.

Johar, known for his blockbuster films, emphasized that “conviction is very important.” He further elaborated, “If you look at anything, especially if you analyse the journey of the best filmmakers, you’ll see that the biggest hits are built on conviction.” This notion resonates with the filmmaking style of Rajamouli, whose films like Baahubali and RRR have garnered massive success globally despite lacking a logical structure.

Speaking specifically about Rajamouli’s works, Johar said, “Logic doesn’t matter in a film. Take any film by Rajamouli sir, for example. Where do you see logic? You only see conviction. And when conviction comes to the forefront, even the audience believes in it.” This highlights how audiences connect emotionally with a film when the makers have faith in their vision, regardless of whether the plot is grounded in realism.

Johar expanded on this point by citing examples of recent blockbusters that have thrived on conviction rather than logic. “Look at the biggest films — whether it’s Animal, RRR, or Gadar — these films are made with conviction,” he said. He also referenced the iconic Gadar scene where Sunny Deol defeats a thousand people using a hand pump, remarking, “If you can defeat a thousand people with a single hand pump, that’s conviction, right? Anil Sharma believes that Sunny Deol can do this. That is pure conviction.”

The director further explained that doubting one’s own vision can be detrimental. “Conviction is something I want every filmmaker to have in their DNA because then, I believe, we can make any film a blockbuster. The only problem arises when you start doubting yourself, second-guessing the audience, and focusing too much on logic,” he stated. According to Johar, filmmakers should trust their story and their audience rather than overanalyze the narrative or the logic.

Johar also encouraged aspiring filmmakers to stay true to their vision. He concluded, “If you have conviction in your vision, you can create blockbusters.” His message to young filmmakers was clear: don’t second-guess your audience, and above all, believe in the story you want to tell.

Meanwhile, Johar is gearing up for his upcoming projects, including Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, a romantic drama featuring Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor, and Sanya Malhotra. The film is set to release on April 18, 2025. Additionally, he is working on Tu Meri Main Tera starring Kartik Aaryan and is also backing Kesari Chapter 2 under his Dharma Productions banner.

As for SS Rajamouli, his next directorial venture is highly anticipated and is expected to continue his legacy of larger-than-life, conviction-driven cinema.