2006 will change economics of film industry: Karan Johar

Mumbai, July 11 (IANS) As a movie buff and a filmmaker, Karan Johar, who returns to the big screen after five years with "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" (KANK), has never been more excited.

"Suddenly, there is a huge amount of excitement for our cinema. God bless the cine-goers. I am excited about this year. There are so many big films and they'll change the economics of the industry," Johar told IANS.

"After a cerebral and intense 'Rang De Basanti', there was a dramatic 'Fanaa' and then a funny 'Phir Hera Pheri' and 'Krissh'. Now we have 'Omkara', 'Munnabhai 2', 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna', 'Dhoom 2', 'Don' -- What an amazing buffet of entertainment!"

Johar wants to see them all, but right now he is highly impressed with Rakesh Roshan's craftsmanship in "Krrish".

"I saw 'Krrish'. It's amazing and Hrithik (Roshan) is outstanding. Every frame of it makes me delighted. At his age, Rakesh Roshan has made a far more techno-savvy film than I could have done at my age. 'Krrish' is going to be a huge hit."

Expectations about "Kabhi Alvida...", which has a huge star cast of Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta and Rani Mukerji, scare him.

"But by now I am used to it. Every time I come up with a film, the previous one becomes good. When K3G ('Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham') was released it wasn't good. In retrospect it became a likeable film. At the end of the day, everything seems exciting in relation to yesterday."

Johar is excited by the thought of working with the best talent in showbiz.

"For me, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, who have done the music in KANK, are the best. Whether it is Javed Akhtar or Shah Rukh Khan, I want only the best in my cinema."

So, will Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy be doing the music score in all of Johar's forthcoming films'

"Why not' They are a beautiful fusion of East and West. While Shankar is trained in Indian classical, Ehsaan and Loy are familiar with Western styles. I think they are, by far, the most talented music composers of the country. I say this not because I have worked with them but because I hear all kinds of film music and understand the market.

"I respect all the music talents. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy are never stubborn about the music. They are positive in their attitude and very open to ideas."

Johar smiles when he remembers the process of music creation.

"We went to Goa to create the songs of KANK. We were there for 10 days. It was more like a holiday than work. I have never seen three creative people more in-sync."

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