In an industry where scale and spectacle often define success, few filmmakers have mastered the art of visual storytelling quite like Sanjay Leela Bhansali. And when it comes to cinematic grandeur, even Karan Johar is in complete admiration.
During a recent interview, when asked about the last thing he watched that made him say “nice” because of the costumes, Karan Johar didn’t hesitate before showering praise on the celebrated filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali. He said, “Always what Bhansali does. Every movie of his, like the costumes are just outstanding. I think that he is a filmmaker I truly regard as one of the most aesthetic voices. So I think every Bhansali film.”
Johar’s words echo a sentiment shared by audiences and critics alike. From the opulent sets of Devdas to the regal magnificence of Padmaavat, and the intricate detailing in Bajirao Mastani and Gangubai Kathiawadi, Bhansali’s films are synonymous with visual poetry. His costumes are not merely garments, they are extensions of character, mood, and narrative. Each frame in a Bhansali film looks painstakingly crafted, almost like a living, breathing painting.
It is this distinct visual language that has often led to Bhansali being compared with legendary filmmakers such as Guru Dutt and Raj Kapoor – auteurs who brought lyrical depth and emotional richness to Indian cinema. Like them, Bhansali combines strong storytelling with a deeply personal artistic stamp, creating films that feel timeless yet grandly theatrical.
Beyond aesthetics, Bhansali has also played a pivotal role in taking Indian cinema to the global stage. His films have premiered at prestigious international festivals, reached audiences far beyond the Indian diaspora, and sparked worldwide conversations about the scale and artistic ambition of Bollywood. The lavish production design, elaborate costumes, and operatic storytelling have become hallmarks of Indian cinematic grandeur overseas.
Karan Johar’s admiration, therefore, is not just about costumes – it is about a filmmaker who has consistently elevated the visual and emotional grammar of mainstream Indian cinema. In celebrating Bhansali, Johar acknowledges a visionary who continues to redefine what spectacle and beauty mean on the big screen.
Meanwhile, Bhansali is gearing up for the release of his much-anticipated film Love and War, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal.