India, Nov. 12 -- Filmmaker Karan Johar has criticised what he described as Bollywood's growing herd mentality, saying lead actors are increasingly seeking aggressive, alpha-male screen images and attempting to influence decisions beyond their performances, including casting, visual effects budgets, trailer cuts and posters.

In a recent interview with Anupama Chopra for The Hollywood Reporter India, Johar said he was concerned about "confused artists and filmmakers" abandoning their instincts because they believed certain approaches would work at the box office. He recalled hearing lead actors interrupt narration sessions to complain that a character was "not alpha enough" or "not front-footed enough".

Johar cited the success of Saiyaar...