Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham Turns 25 on December 14, and Karan Johar's Family Epic Still Holds Its Audience

Illustration: AI-generated with Pollinations (FLUX), free to use

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham was released in India on December 14, 2001, so it turns 25 this month. Karan Johar directed the film, his second as a director after Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, and it became one of the biggest Hindi films of its year, with a large and loyal audience abroad.

Photo: Bollywood Hungama, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The story follows a wealthy family and the rift that splits it after a son chooses to marry against his father's wishes. Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan played the parents, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol played the couple at the centre of the story, and Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor played the younger generation.

Photo: Bollywood Hungama, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The music, by Jatin-Lalit, is a large part of its lasting appeal, and songs such as Bole Chudiyan are still played at weddings and celebrations. The film's sets, costumes and festive scenes also gave it a look that many later family films copied.

Photo: Bollywood Hungama, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

It was criticised by some viewers for its length and its sentimental style, but its audience did not seem to mind. The film is a reminder of how Hindi cinema was willing to take on big family stories with large casts and big emotions.

Photo: Bollywood Hungama, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you have not seen it, the wedding scenes and the family dinners are a good place to start. Which of its songs is your favourite?