Meena Iyer (BOMBAY TIMES; April 21, 2014)

When Sajid Nadiadwala and his own co-production, 2 States with Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, opened to double digits over the weekend, Karan Johar was elated. The filmmaker, who is on a short trip overseas to celebrate his joy, says, “In my experience, a love story always receives its own share of love from everyone concerned. I can rightfully say this because we, at Dharma Productions, have personally witnessed this.” He adds, “I started my career with Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, a love story, then we had Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani in May 2013 and now with 2 States — we have put out a bouquet of love stories that have found a strong resonance with the audience. They get the scent of a film from the very start and I now have proof in my hands that they are just loving this Alia-Arjun romance.’’

 KJo says there is a lot for him to celebrate on account of 2 States. The film was his first outing with producer Sajid (Nadiadwala) and he says he thoroughly enjoyed it because Sajid reposed so much faith in his company. “Touch wood, there were no glitches whatsoever throughout the making. The journey on 2 States was seamless,’’ says Karan, adding, “Now that our first film together has taken such a flying start, I’m truly happy.’’

 Another reason for his joy is the fact that debutant director Abhishek Varman, who got his break with this film, is from Dharma’s core team. “My faith in Chetan Bhagat’s book and in Abhishek’s adaptation stands validated,’’ says the filmmaker. “I had an instinct on Abhishek right from from the start. And now that he has delivered, I feel like a proud parent.’’