Dharma Productions: Crafting Cinema or Perfecting Daydreams?

Dharma Productions, founded by the legendary Yash Johar and now helmed by his son Karan Johar, has become synonymous with lavish, glamorous cinema in Bollywood. Over the years, the production house has churned out films that have resonated with audiences, not just in India but globally. However, there’s a recurring critique that these films are often “too dreamy” — where reality bends to accommodate exaggerated ideals of love, luxury, and happiness.

 Lavish Aesthetic in Dharma Films

Dharma Productions is known for creating visual spectacles. Films like ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’, ‘Student of the Year’, and ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ are filled with opulent sets, designer costumes, and picture-perfect locales. This “larger than life” presentation is part of the reason Dharma films are often labeled as dreamy. The characters are usually well-dressed, their homes are palatial, and even their problems, while emotionally deep, are often resolved in a way that feels almost too perfect for the real world.

Karan Johar’s directorial debut, ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’, set the tone for this style. The film was a massive success, and its combination of romance, humor, and heartache played out in visually stunning college campuses and exotic holiday destinations. This set a precedent for what audiences would come to expect from the films: a mix of relatable emotions, but within a bubble of unattainable beauty and perfection.

Idealization of Love and Relationships

Love stories are at the heart of many Dharma films. Yet, these love stories are often seen through a rose-tinted lens. Relationships in these films, whether it’s the pining of ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’ or the youthful exuberance of ‘Student of the Year’, are often idealized to the point where they might seem unattainable or unrealistic to the average viewer. The conflicts, while dramatic, often resolve in a way that aligns with the “happily ever after” narrative, contributing to the dreamlike quality of these films.

The movie, ‘Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna’, explored the complexities of infidelity and unfulfilled relationships. Despite the heavy themes, the film’s storytelling and presentation still carried that signature Dharma gloss, which, for some critics, detracted from the gravity of the subject matter.

Escapism vs. Reality in the Dharma Universe

One reason Dharma films may be considered dreamy is their strong leaning toward escapism. The production house has mastered the art of transporting audiences to a world where problems, while intense, are accompanied by grand gestures, epic love stories, and emotional resolutions that might not always mirror real life.

Critics argue that this dreamy portrayal can sometimes diminish the relatability of the characters and stories. While films like ‘My Name Is Khan’ and ‘Kapoor & Sons’ have tackled deeper social issues and more grounded narratives, the overall perception of Dharma Productions still leans towards being a purveyor of fantasy-like cinema.

However, it’s essential to recognize that this escapism is part of the appeal. Audiences flock to cinemas to experience a world different from their own, to indulge in the glamor and emotional highs that Dharma films offer. In a country where cinema is often an escape from daily struggles, the dreamy aesthetic of Dharma Productions provides just that.

In recent years, the production house has attempted to balance its dreamy, escapist fare with more grounded stories. Films like ‘Dear Zindagi’ and ‘Good Newwz’ offered a blend of realism with that signature Dharma gloss. These films showcased real problems, like mental health and infertility, while still delivering the visually appealing, emotionally resonant storytelling that Dharma is known for There has also been a noticeable shift in the way relationships are portrayed. Movies like ‘Gehraiyaan’ have explored the complexities of love, betrayal, and self-discovery without relying on the traditional Bollywood formula. This evolution shows that Dharma is capable of balancing dreams with reality, and perhaps the perception of its films being too dreamy might gradually shift.

So, are Dharma Production films too dreamy? The answer lies in perspective. For some, the larger-than-life portrayal of emotions, relationships, and aesthetics is what makes these films magical. For others, the lack of grit and realism can be a disconnect. Yet, it’s undeniable that Dharma Productions has mastered the art of storytelling that resonates with a vast audience.

Whether through fantasy or grounded realism, Dharma continues to captivate its audience. The dreamy quality might remain an integral part of its identity, but as long as it delivers compelling narratives, the dreamlike escape it offers will continue to be cherished by many.