Meezaan Jafri outperformed Ibrahim Ali Khan with his ‘Shah Rukh Khan-style’ cameo in the film Nadaaniyan, according to recent conversations lighting up Reddit. Released on March 7, 2025, the romantic drama also stars Khushi Kapoor, but it has opened to largely negative reviews from critics and audiences, sparking debates about the performances of its cast.
The film has faced criticism for its ‘cringe’ dialogues and lackluster performances, with various commentators deeming it ‘unbearable’ and ‘trashy.’ A clip featuring Jafri’s special appearance, where he performs to the song "Pag Ghunghroo Bandh Meera," has drawn comparisons to Shah Rukh Khan’s memorable cameo from Heyy Babyy. This has led some Reddit users to suggest Jafri’s entry outshone Ibrahim, igniting intrigue over who truly stole the show.
One Reddit user remarked, “Wow, Ibrahim is a very lanky dancer, and Meezaan clearly outdid him. But it’s funny how they introduced Meezaan like it’s some big star cameo when it’s literally just him.” The comments echoed the sentiment of many others who felt Jafri’s appearance added more sparkle to the film than the main leads.
Despite mixed reactions, some have highlighted the catchy music as one of the film’s redeeming qualities, claiming it invokes nostalgia. One user even went so far as to describe the song as “the Gen Z cringe and shady version” of the original, pointing toward the differing tastes among generations.
On another note, India Today reviewer Vineeta Singh lambasted the film, giving it 1.5 stars and calling it unsalvageable. She said, “Nadaaniyan, directed by debutant Shauna Gautam, is a loose attempt at launching Ibrahim Ali Khan as this next-gen six-pack hero. But, the new-gen is not interested solely in six-pack abs show. The sets of the film look dreamy, but how far can beauty alone take you?” Her review reflects the frustrations many have about the current state of mainstream Hindi cinema, emphasizing how the film seems to miss the mark completely.
The irony lies within Meezaan Jafri’s character being perhaps the most talked about aspect of the film, even though he appears only briefly. His cameo, which was intended to add excitement, may very well have ended up overshadowing the film's main stars.
Nadaaniyan marks Ibrahim Ali Khan’s Bollywood debut and highlights the generational expectations attached to him, as he is the son of notable actors Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh. While audiences were curious about his performance, many left feeling disappointed. Multiple social media users described their reactions, emphasizing how the film offered little to redeem its lackluster dialogue. “When you continue to make #films like #Nadaaniyan, you know there's something viscerally wrong & rotten about contemporary mainstream Hindi cinema,” read another tweet by disappointed viewers questioning Bollywood's directorial choices.
On platforms such as X, audiences expressed their displeasure collectively: “Just finished Nadaaniyan… Bollywood romcoms, we are soooo NOT BACK.” While some audiences enjoyed the nostalgia the film sought to deliver, critics were unimpressed, arguing it’s simply repackaging older styles without the charm they once bore.
The film is produced by Karan Johar’s Dharmatic Entertainment and features not just Ibrahim and Khushi but also includes performances by established actors like Suniel Shetty, Mahima Chaudhary, and Dia Mirza. The inclusion of these seasoned performers only highlights the disparity between their extensive experience and the humbled new generation, making the negative reviews even more pronounced.
Not only does Nadaaniyan signify the debut of Ibrahim Ali Khan, but it also marks the first foray of Shauna Gautam as the director. The mixed reception serves as both pressure and pointers for Gautam to reflect on future projects, as the spotlight often shines brighter on newcomers. The reactions across social media have prompted broader discussions about the quality of Hindi cinema pushing for either revitalization or failure of the industry.
For now, viewers can catch Nadaaniyan currently streaming on Netflix, but the buzz surrounding the film suggests this could be one of those fleeting moments where the curiosity about Ibrahim’s first venture will fade, leaving only the critiques behind. Whether future projects will learn from this moment or repeat the same tales remains to be seen. Critics aren’t holding their breath, as the pressure applies to both actors and directors to meet the audience's high expectations.