Photo credit: www.news18.com
Imtiaz Ali Reflects on ‘Jab Harry Met Sejal’ and Its Disappointing Performance
Upon its release, ‘Jab Harry Met Sejal’ was anticipated to be another triumph in Shah Rukh Khan’s illustrious career. Instead, it marked one of his most significant box office letdowns. Recently, director Imtiaz Ali has opened up about the film’s shortcomings, labeling it “an unfortunate child” during a past interview, and now he is providing additional insights into the factors that contributed to its lackluster reception.
In a conversation with Mid-day, Imtiaz discussed his filmmaking philosophy, which emphasizes storytelling as the core element. “My approach to filmmaking has always mirrored my work in television and theatre—prioritizing the story along with the actors who bring it to life. The narrative is what takes precedence, and everything else, including my involvement, follows,” he explained.
However, when collaborating with Khan, one of the most significant stars he has worked with, Imtiaz recognizes that he failed to fully capitalize on the actor’s extraordinary appeal. “Shah Rukh is an immense star, yet his down-to-earth demeanor made me underestimate the magnitude of his presence,” Imtiaz remarked. “It’s easy to forget his superstar status when engaging with him personally.”
Imtiaz reflected that a better grasp of Khan’s stardom might have changed his creative decisions. “Had I acknowledged the gravity of Shah Rukh’s influence, I would have approached the writing and direction quite differently. While I didn’t want it to be overly dramatic, I should have included elements like flashbacks that could highlight his talent as both an actor and a superstar,” he admitted.
On the other hand, Shah Rukh Khan has approached the film’s failure with a sense of humor and humility. In a discussion with Telegraph India, he stated, “I feel like I let people down. My intention wasn’t to disappoint; I was drawn to the simplicity of the narrative—two individuals crossing paths over a lost ring and finding themselves entangled in unexpected situations. It felt organic—a slice-of-life story.”
With characteristic wit, he added, “Recently, a director used the term ‘slice-of-life’ during our conversation, and I quipped, ‘This time, I need a whole pumpkin instead.’”
Released in 2017, ‘Jab Harry Met Sejal’ features Khan alongside Anushka Sharma. The plot centers around Harinder ‘Harry’ Singh Nehra, a European tour guide, and Sejal Zaveri, a young woman on a mission to find her lost engagement ring. What starts as a straightforward quest evolves into a deeper narrative exploring themes of love, identity, and self-discovery.
Set against beautiful European locales, the film depicts the unfolding relationship between Harry, characterized by his troubled past and commitment issues, and Sejal, a dynamic woman grappling with her feelings before marriage. Their journey in search of the ring leads them to confront their emotional vulnerabilities, ultimately fostering a connection between them.
Despite its star cast and stunning visuals, ‘Jab Harry Met Sejal’ received mixed reviews and is seen as one of the more divisive entries in Khan’s filmography. Critics highlighted issues such as an inconsistent tone and underdeveloped narrative as key factors that hindered its connection with audiences. Conversely, fans of the lead actors praised their on-screen chemistry and the film’s exploration of overarching themes such as love, solitude, and the quest for purpose in life.
The film’s soundtrack, composed by Pritam, was well-received, featuring popular songs such as ‘Radha,’ ‘Hawayein,’ and ‘Safar.’ Despite not achieving commercial success, ‘Jab Harry Met Sejal’ remains a relevant topic in discussions about contemporary romantic comedies due to its unique perspective and introspective character arcs.
Source
www.news18.com