Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... (2001)

In Karan Johar's epic family drama *Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...* (2001), the devoutly traditional Indian patriarch, Raichand, harbors a deep desire for his two sons, Rahul (adopted) and Rohan (biological), to remain united under his roof and marry women of his choosing. However, the family's harmony shatters when Rahul falls deeply in love with Anjali, a poor Indian girl, incurring the fierce displeasure of Raichand. A bitter confrontation ensues, leading Rahul to abandon his home, relocate to Britain, and build a new life there. With Rahul gone, Raichand shifts his focus to Rohan, unaware that his real son has no plans for marriage but is instead singularly determined to bridge the chasm between his brother, Anjali, and their estranged father, bringing them back into the family fold. The central tension thus becomes whether Raichand will ever permit Rohan to achieve this reunion, or if Rohan too will face expulsion from the family he strives so hard to mend. *Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...* unequivocally earns its place among Karan Johar's best films, serving as a quintessential example of his directorial style and thematic preoccupations. It’s a lavish, larger-than-life spectacle, renowned for its opulent sets, designer costumes, international locales, and an unforgettable ensemble cast featuring Bollywood legends like Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Kajol alongside Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor. Beyond its visual grandeur, the film deeply explores universal themes of family values, parental authority versus individual choice, the essence of 'home,' reconciliation, and unconditional love, all set to a hugely popular and enduring soundtrack. Its immense box office success and enduring cultural impact solidified Johar's reputation as a master of grand, emotional family sagas, defining a generation's understanding of modern Bollywood's blend of tradition and glossy melodrama.