Karan Johar's directorial debut, "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai," will be screened at the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) in 2028 to mark its 30th anniversary. The event will feature the attendance of Johar himself, celebrating the film that stars Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Rani Mukerji, with Salman Khan also appearing in a key role.
The invitation was extended to Johar earlier this week during a meeting he hosted at his Dharma Productions offices in Mumbai. He met with Scotland's First Minister John Swinney and David Smith, the interim executive director of Screen Scotland. The discussions focused on strengthening Scotland as a production location and partner for Indian film and television, covering areas such as co-productions, talent development, and cultural exchange.
First Minister Swinney expressed delight at Johar's acceptance, noting that the film holds a special place in the hearts of communities across Scotland and beyond. He highlighted the potential for future collaboration, stating that Scotland's screen industry offers world-class filming locations, infrastructure, and expertise to support a wide range of productions from India.
"Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" is notable for being the first major Indian production to shoot extensively in Scotland. Johar's unit filmed at iconic locations including Eilean Donan Castle, Glen Coe, Tantallon Castle, and Inchmahome Priory, making the Scottish scenery central to the film's visual identity. The movie tells the story of widower Rahul (Khan), who is guided by his young daughter back toward Anjali (Kajol), a college friend who loved him before he married Tina (Mukerji).
Paul Ridd, CEO and festival director of EIFF, described the screening as an opportunity to celebrate a legendary film that features some of Bollywood's most iconic stars alongside Scottish landscapes. While specific dates for the 2028 edition have not yet been announced, the festival is preparing for its 81st edition. In the interim, the festival will celebrate its 80th anniversary from August 12 to 18, 2027, with submissions opening in January.
This milestone follows the festival's revival in 2024 under Ridd and festival producer Emma Boa. The Edinburgh International Film Festival continues to be backed by Screen Scotland as it looks toward future editions.
Sources: Variety.