Karan Johar breaks social media silence for the 'gut-wrenching' impact of Raakh

The filmmaker, who had been attempting a digital detox, returned to Instagram to praise the Prime Video crime drama for its unflinching portrayal of human tragedy.

It was 1:35 am when the final credits rolled, and for Karan Johar, sleep was not an option. The filmmaker, who had been actively trying to distance himself from the noise of Instagram, found his resolve crumbling under the weight of Prime Video’s latest crime drama, Raakh. In an uncharacteristic and visceral review shared with his followers, Johar confessed that the series—inspired by the harrowing 1978 ranga billa case—left him feeling "deeply disturbed" as a parent, a citizen, and a human being.

The series, which centers on the investigation into the abduction and murder of two teenagers, has clearly struck a raw nerve. Johar’s review wasn't just a casual recommendation; it was a reflection of the emotional toll the show takes. He pointedly remarked that the "ugliest side of humanity" is on display here, cautioning that while the series is brilliant, it is an uncomfortable, soul-shaking watch that he isn't sure he will recover from soon.

A masterclass in performance

While the direction by Prosit Roy earned high praise for its non-manipulative approach to storytelling, the performances of sonali bendre and Aamir Bashir were the show's anchors for Johar. He described their portrayal of grieving parents facing an insurmountable tragedy as "career-defining." According to the director, their ability to embody such profound pathos was so authentic that it left him "awestruck," urging audiences to witness the performances to understand the sheer emotional intensity of the series.

Ali fazal, who leads the show as an investigative officer, also received substantial recognition for his "exceptional and solid work." Fazal, clearly moved by the endorsement, later thanked Johar for the "thunderous" appreciation, noting that it came from someone he holds in high regard.

Why it matters

The buzz around Raakh highlights a shift in how Indian audiences and industry insiders are engaging with true-crime narratives. By grounding its plot in the infamous Delhi case, the series taps into a collective historical trauma that still resonates in the national consciousness. When a mainstream filmmaker like karan johar steps away from a self-imposed digital detox to champion such a dark, non-commercial narrative, it signals a growing appetite for stories that do not shy away from the moral complexities of society. It suggests that even in a world of high-gloss entertainment, there is a distinct, powerful space for content that forces us to confront our deepest societal fears.

Ultimately, the impact of Raakh lies in its refusal to offer easy catharsis. For johar, the show’s takeaway is a grim one: that childhood trauma and personal circumstances are never justifications for giving in to one's "inner devil." As the series continues to gain traction, it remains a stark reminder of the thin line between order and chaos, and the enduring power of raw, unfiltered storytelling.