Filmmaker Karan Johar reflects on the intense backlash his 2006 film Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna received as it marks 20 years since release on August 11. He recalls a paid preview the night before the theatrical debut, during which he noticed angry reactions from some viewers, and he later encountered a woman who confronted him outside the cinema.
According to Johar, the woman told him she had brought her crying daughter to see a “happy” family film with songs and dances because it was his, but criticized what she viewed as the film’s message. Johar says he feared for his safety as the interaction turned hostile and he scurried away.
Across the coverage, outlets agree that the movie drew highly polarizing responses, with some audiences seeing it as bold or emotionally engaging, while others criticized it for challenging “sanskaari” values and for how it portrays adultery, marriage, and emotional betrayal. Johar also acknowledges that the film has shortcomings, including being “over-bloated” and featuring elaborate musical sequences, but he maintains that he did not intend to endorse infidelity and says its core emotional intent has been misunderstood.
