'Not Interested in Making Sequels': Imtiaz Ali Opens up on the Failure of Love Aaj Kal 2

Imtiaz Ali’s 2009 film ‘Love Aaj Kal’ starring Deepika Padukone and Saif Ali Khan, has become a cult classic since it’s release. After the success of the film, Imtiaz Ali made a sequel to the film, ‘Love Aaj Kal 2’ in 2020, starring Kartik Aaryan and Saif Ali Khan’s daughter Sara Ali Khan. The film was highly criticized and was a box office failure and even failed to maintain the legacy of the first film.

Recently in an interview, filmmaker Imtiaz Ali opened up on the failure of Love Aaj Kal 2, he said, “I could have done 2-3 things differently. I tried to put too much into it, and that’s why it became heavy. The ease of the film was compromised. It became thick, and people didn’t understand what happened. Aisa lag raha tha voh dil se nahi ho rahi hai. Secondly, I feel the film lacked freshness.”

When asked if the cast of the film was one of the reasons for the failure of the film. He immediately denied this claim and defended the cast, “Not because of casting, but whenever you are making a sequel, you should have a proper reason for it. I had that reason, but I wasn’t able to express it. At least, it didn’t get expressed in the publicity of the film."

When asked if the failure of 'Love Aaj Kal 2' made him hesitant to direct sequels, he responded, "In a way, yes. Though I had a new story in Love Aaj Kal 2, still, the film didn’t work. So unless it is really necessary, I am not interested in making sequels. But never say never, Rockstar 2 may be nice.”