Filmmaker Karan Johar took to Instagram on December 30, 2025, to share a reflective and heartfelt note amid the underwhelming box office performance of his latest production, Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri (TMMTMTTM). Directed by Sameer Sanjay Vidwans and starring Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday, the film was released on December 25, 2025, but has struggled to draw audiences during the festive period. In his post, captioned simply “Happy 2026!!”, Karan expressed disappointment over what he sees as a growing lack of grace in society, particularly in how people respond to others' successes and failures.
The lengthy note began with a rhetorical question about whether grace has become an "alien phenomenon." Karan lamented the erosion of basic courtesy in everyday interactions, noting how people now reply to messages and emails with monosyllables or not at all. He extended this observation to the entertainment industry and public discourse, writing, “Are we not able to celebrate other people's successes, and can we stop celebrating their failures? Can we praise wholeheartedly, and can we criticize without bias, anger, and rage?” The post appeared to be a subtle yet pointed response to the online trolling and memes directed at the film's poor performance.
Karan Johar, one of Bollywood's most influential producers and directors, has long been vocal about the pressures of the film industry and the toxicity of social media. His latest production, despite featuring popular stars and a romantic drama premise, has failed to connect with audiences, leading to widespread criticism and celebrations of its box office struggle on various platforms. Rather than directly addressing the film's numbers, Karan's message focused on a broader call for kindness, empathy, and maturity in how people treat one another's achievements and setbacks.
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The note quickly sparked reactions from fans, industry peers, and social media users, with many appreciating his candidness and urging a more supportive environment in Bollywood. Others saw it as a reflection on the intense scrutiny and schadenfreude that often accompany high-profile releases. As the year ends and TMMTMTTM continues its theatrical run, Karan's words serve as a timely reminder of the human side of filmmaking, where success and failure are part of a larger, often unforgiving journey.
The incident underscores the ongoing tension between creative ambition and public expectations in the Indian film industry. While Karan Johar has delivered numerous blockbusters in the past, this particular project has tested resilience amid a challenging box office climate. His appeal for grace and positivity is likely to resonate with many in the fraternity who face similar pressures, highlighting the need for a more constructive and compassionate approach to criticism and celebration alike.
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