I’ll Make It One Day: Karan Johar on Shelved Project ‘Takht’
Karan Johar, the renowned Indian filmmaker, has been known for his ambitious projects and his passion for storytelling. Over the years, he has given us some of the most iconic Bollywood films, including Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, and My Name Is Khan, among others. However, one of his most ambitious projects, ‘Takht’, has been shelved for over four years now. The historical drama, centred around the conflict between Mughal princes Aurangzeb and Dara Shikoh, has been a topic of discussion among film enthusiasts and fans of Karan Johar. Recently, the filmmaker dropped a fresh update on his dream project, and it seems like he is finally ready to revive it.
‘Takht’ was first announced in 2017, with a star-studded cast including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, Ranveer Singh, Anil Kapoor, Bhumi Pednekar, and Janhvi Kapoor. The project was touted to be a grand-scale production, with elaborate sets, costumes, and action sequences. However, the film never went into production, and the reasons behind its shelving remained unclear.
In a recent interview, Karan Johar spoke about ‘Takht’ and his willingness to restart the project. When asked about the status of the film, he said, “It’s a film on my table…I’ll make it one day.” While he didn’t provide any specific timeline for the project, his statement suggests that he is still committed to bringing this epic historical drama to life.
The story of ‘Takht’ revolves around the conflict between Aurangzeb and Dara Shikoh, two Mughal princes who clashed over the throne of the Mughal Empire. The film would have explored the complexities of their relationship, the politics of the time, and the cultural and social changes that were taking place during the reign of Shah Jahan. With Karan Johar’s penchant for grand storytelling and his ability to bring complex characters to life, ‘Takht’ had the potential to be a cinematic masterpiece.
The casting of the film was also a major highlight, with some of the biggest stars in Bollywood attached to the project. Kareena Kapoor Khan was set to play the role of Jahanara Begum, Shah Jahan’s daughter and a key figure in the conflict between the two princes. Alia Bhatt was to play the role of Gauhar Begum, Dara Shikoh’s wife, while Vicky Kaushal was set to portray Aurangzeb. Ranveer Singh was to play the role of Dara Shikoh, and Anil Kapoor was to play the role of Shah Jahan. Bhumi Pednekar and Janhvi Kapoor were also part of the cast, although their roles were not disclosed.
The shelving of ‘Takht’ was a major disappointment for fans of Karan Johar and the cast, who were eagerly awaiting the film’s release. The reasons behind the shelving remained unclear, but it was speculated that the project’s scale and budget were too ambitious for the filmmaker to undertake at the time. With the Indian film industry facing changing market trends and shifting audience preferences, it’s possible that Karan Johar decided to put the project on hold to reassess its feasibility.
Despite the setbacks, Karan Johar’s commitment to ‘Takht’ remains unwavering. His statement about the film being “on his table” suggests that he is still passionate about the project and is willing to put in the effort required to bring it to life. With his track record of delivering high-quality films, fans of the filmmaker can only hope that ‘Takht’ will eventually see the light of day.
In conclusion, Karan Johar’s statement about ‘Takht’ is a welcome update for fans of the filmmaker and the cast. While the project’s shelving was a major disappointment, Karan Johar’s commitment to bringing this epic historical drama to life is a testament to his passion for storytelling and his dedication to his craft. Here’s hoping that ‘Takht’ will eventually be revived and brought to audiences, who are eagerly waiting to see what Karan Johar has in store for them.
