Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Rani Mukerji, Salman Khan Starrer ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ to Mark 30th Anniversary at Edinburgh Film Festival With Karan Johar

The 1998 romantic drama “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai,” the directorial debut of Karan Johar and a cornerstone of Bollywood’s modern era, has been selected for a special screening at the Edinburgh International Film Festival later this year. Organisers announced that the film will be shown as part of the festival’s “Milestones” strand, which celebrates works that have left a lasting imprint on world cinema. The screening is scheduled for the festival’s closing weekend in August 2028 and will be accompanied by a Q&A session with Johar, who is expected to travel from India to take part in the event.The decision to feature “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” reflects the festival’s growing interest in South Asian cinema and its desire to showcase films that have shaped the cultural landscape beyond their original markets..

Since its release, the movie has amassed a cult following, not only in India but also among diaspora audiences across Europe, North America and the Middle East. Its blend of youthful romance, musical interludes and a narrative that spans a decade resonated with a generation of viewers and helped cement Shah Rukh Khan’s status as a leading heart‑throb of the late 1990s.The film’s original cast—Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and Rani Mukerji—were among the most bankable stars of the era, and their chemistry on screen is often cited as a key factor in the film’s commercial triumph. Produced by Yash Raj Films, “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” grossed over 1 billion rupees at the box office, a figure that placed it among the highest‑earning Indian productions of its time..

Critics praised the film’s soundtrack, composed by Jatin‑Lalit, and its visual style, which combined glossy set pieces with a youthful, urban aesthetic.In recent years, the movie has been revisited by scholars and cultural commentators who examine its impact on gender representation and class dynamics in Indian popular culture. While the narrative centres on a male protagonist’s romantic journey, the film also foregrounds the agency of its female leads, particularly in the second half, where Kajol’s character undergoes a transformation that challenges traditional expectations of femininity. These nuances have prompted a re‑evaluation of the film’s legacy within academic circles, adding depth to its popular appeal.The invitation to Johar arrived earlier this week during a meeting held at the Mumbai offices of the festival’s UK liaison office, where senior representatives discussed the logistical details of the screening..

In a brief statement, Johar expressed his gratitude for the honour and highlighted the significance of seeing his debut work appreciated on an international stage. “It is humbling to have ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ recognised as a piece of cinema that resonates beyond borders,” he said, adding that he looks forward to engaging with audiences who may be encountering the film for the first time.Edinburgh’s festival director, Emma Macdonald, confirmed that the screening will be part of a broader showcase of Asian cinema, which includes contemporary works from Japan, South Korea and Thailand. “Our aim is to provide a platform where classic and emerging voices from the region can be experienced side by side,” Macdonald explained..

“‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ is a film that not only defined a moment in Indian cinema but also contributed to the global perception of Bollywood’s storytelling style.”The event is expected to draw a diverse crowd, ranging from film scholars and industry professionals to fans who grew up with the film’s iconic songs and dialogues. Tickets will be allocated through a combination of general sale and a limited number of passes reserved for members of the festival’s film‑studies program. Organisers have also arranged for a live streaming of the Q&A session to accommodate viewers unable to travel to Scotland.Industry analysts suggest that the festival’s decision could spur renewed interest in the film’s catalogue, potentially prompting a re‑release on streaming platforms and an increase in merchandise sales..

“When a classic receives this kind of institutional endorsement, it often leads to a ripple effect across distribution channels,” noted Priya Desai, a media consultant based in London. “We may see a surge in viewership numbers, especially among younger audiences discovering Bollywood for the first time.”For the cast, the Edinburgh appearance offers a rare opportunity to reflect on a project that marked a turning point in their careers. Kajol, who has largely stepped back from acting to focus on family life, is expected to send a recorded message, while Rani Mukerji, now a frequent presence on the festival circuit, plans to attend in person..

Salman Khan, who made a cameo in the original release, was not listed among the confirmed attendees but has previously expressed admiration for the film’s enduring popularity.The screening will also feature a restored print of the original film, remastered to meet contemporary audiovisual standards. The restoration work, undertaken by a team of technicians in Mumbai, involved digitising the original 35 mm reels, correcting colour drift and enhancing sound fidelity. “We wanted to present the film as it was meant to be seen, while ensuring that today’s audiences receive a high‑quality experience,” said Anil Mehta, the senior editor overseeing the project.As the Edinburgh International Film Festival prepares for its 2028 edition, the inclusion of “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” underscores a broader trend of revisiting seminal works that have shaped global cinema..

The event will not only celebrate a milestone for one of Bollywood’s most beloved films but also highlight the increasingly porous boundaries between regional film industries and the worldwide audience they now command..