Karan Johar Marks 9 Years of 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil,' Calling It His Most Personal Film; Shares Unseen Set Photos

Veteran filmmaker Karan Johar has publicly commemorated the ninth anniversary of his acclaimed romantic drama, 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil', which originally premiered on October 28, 2016. In a heartfelt statement accompanied by previously unseen photographs from the film’s set, the director described the project as the most intimate and personal cinematic endeavor of his career.

Taking to social media to mark the near-decade milestone, the director expressed deep gratitude to both the film’s cast and crew, acknowledging their exceptional artistry in bringing his vision to life. He reflected on the filmmaking process with deep nostalgia, stating that the memories of being on set "feel like yesterday" and that his "heart will never forget" the experience. The director also extended his thanks to the global audience for their enduring support, which has allowed the film to continue "breathing life and love" years after its release.

A Commercial and Critical Journey

Released during the competitive Diwali weekend of 2016, 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' navigated themes of unrequited love, friendship, and heartbreak through the intersecting lives of its principal characters, Ayan and Alizeh, played by Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma, alongside Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

The film proved to be a significant commercial success, achieving a major box office triumph despite receiving mixed reviews from critics upon its debut. Made on a reported budget of ₹50 crore, the movie amassed an impressive ₹239 crore globally, securing its position as the third-highest-grossing Hindi film of its release year. The film's compelling music, direction, and the nuanced performances of the lead cast were widely praised, creating an enduring legacy that continues to resonate with audiences globally, particularly for its soul-stirring soundtrack.

Future Directorial Endeavors and Recent Work

Alongside celebrating the anniversary of the 2016 hit, the director is currently focused on future projects. He was recently seen in a different capacity, serving as a judge on the reality show 'Pitch To Get Rich'.

Regarding his cinematic return to the director's chair, the filmmaker is currently developing his next directorial feature, which is anticipated to commence production next year. While specific details about the cast and plot remain undisclosed, the project is highly awaited by the industry and fans, given the director’s reputation for delivering grand-scale, emotionally charged narratives. The renewed focus on the anniversary of 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' reaffirms its status as a pivotal and deeply resonant chapter in the director's extensive filmography.