Karan Johar to develop ‘KANK’ into Web Series

Karan Johar has been one of Bollywood’s leading filmmakers for over 25 years.

He has also ventured into television with his controversial yet popular talk show, Koffee With Karan.

Karan is one of the few Indian directors who has yet to deliver an unsuccessful film.

However, one of his most polarising movies as a director is Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006).

The film is set in America and tells the story of NRIs engaging in an extramarital affair.

In the movie, Dev Saran (Shah Rukh Khan) and Maya Talwar (Rani Mukerji) are unhappy in their marriages.

After falling in love with each other, Dev and Maya begin a relationship, while cheating on their respective spouses, Rhea Saran (Preity G Zinta) and Rishi Talwar (Abhishek Bachchan).

In interesting news, Karan Johar recently confirmed that the film would be adapted into a web series.

He said: “We’re actually adapting it into a long-form series.

“The root of that film, it was released in 2006 to very polarised responses.

“Many asked me if I was unwell after that film, saying, ‘How can you endorse infidelity?’

“And I was like, ‘How can you endorse something that’s already so sold out?'”

In a previous interview, Karan revealed an anecdote detailing the controversial response to Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna.

He recounted: “I was watching the film and a traditional couple was sitting in front of me.

“That scene came where Shah Rukh and Rani check into a hotel room.

“The lady stared at her husband, who told her it was a dream sequence. She got pacified by that.

“When they realised it was not a dream sequence, they took their families and walked out.”

He added: “We are in such a polarised audience space.

“People judge what happens in their homes, and they brush it under the carpet.

“But they don’t want to watch it onscreen, even though it’s probably a reality in their own lives.”

Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna also starred Amitabh Bachchan, Kirron Kher, and Arjun Rampal, in a special appearance.

Karan Johar also confirmed when Koffee With Karan would return for its ninth season during Diwali 2026.

The series is allegedly set to feature shorter game segments and an emphasis on the stars’ lives.

Karan last directed Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023).

Along with its lead couple, Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, the film also starred Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan, and Shabana Azmi.