The highly anticipated rom-com Nadaaniyan, starring Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor, debuted on Netflix on March 7, 2025, but has not delivered the enthusiastic reception many hoped for. Directed by Shauna Gautam, the film features an impressive supporting cast, including Dia Mirza, Suniel Shetty, Mahima Chaudhry, and Jugal Hansraj.
Despite the star-studded cast, audience reactions range from disappointment to tepid approval. Many viewers took to social media to share their mixed feelings, with some criticizing the film as unoriginal and shallow. "Watch Nadaaniyan on Netflix if you want a masterclass in how not to act," one user quipped, underscoring the film's negative reception among certain critics. Another critique mentioned, "5 mins in #Nadaaniyan Khushi's voice dubbing feels like I'm watching a Hindi dubbed Korean drama, terrible!" displaying frustration with Kapoor's performance.
While some viewers panned the film, others praised it, particularly highlighting Ibrahim Ali Khan's presence on screen. "Ibrahim ka screen presence mast hai, natural lag raha hai #Nadaaniyan," remarked one fan, positively noting his engagement with the audience. Likewise, another user shared, "Decent one-time watch #Nadaaniyan", indicating some viewers found it entertaining for casual viewing.
The storyline focuses on Pia Jaisingh, portrayed by Khushi Kapoor, and Arjun Mehta, played by Ibrahim Ali Khan, whose worlds collide when Pia hires Arjun to pose as her boyfriend to navigate high school drama and social pressures. Set against the backdrop of Delhi and Noida, Nadaaniyan attempts to tackle themes such as privilege, family dynamics, and the modern challenges faced by youth, especially through the lens of social media.
This film is not just about two star kids but also pivots around complex societal issues, albeit not always effectively. One viewer's tweet captured the sentiment: "If you want to know why nepotism is such a heated debate in Bollywood, just watch 15 minutes of #nadaaniyan." This commentary taps back to the longstanding conversation about privilege within the film industry, with many feeling the lead roles should have gone to lesser-known actors.
Adding to the film’s list of criticisms, some have pointed out how the writing and storyline felt lackluster. "The fact the supporting casts acted waybetter than the mains speaks volumes about how the film has been received," one disappointed viewer tweeted.
Conversely, others express sentimentality toward the film's essence. A positive review noted, "#Nadaaniyan is the PERFECT #NetflixIndia TEEN DRAMA—vibrant, youthful, and totally relatable for Gen Z," implying its appeal among younger audiences may reignite its viewership.
The mashup of opinions reflects how the film's charm seems heavily reliant on its lead actors' performances. Ibrahim's portrayal has seen commendation for bringing youthful energy to his role. One user expressed, "Just finished Nadaaniyan and there is something about Ibrahim’s screen presence hits different!" reinforcing the notion he made a favorable introduction to Bollywood.
Despite the critiques, the reception was anticipated, with pre-release buzz fueled by social media. The combination of nostalgic actors and modern dilemmas creates an interesting platform to engage younger audiences. Fans anticipated Ibrahim’s performance based on his appearances and promotional events leading up to the release.
Still, the film's debut and initial viewer impressions remind of the risky road many star kids tread, balancing celebrated legacies with the challenge to forge their own identities. Social media comments reveal this dynamic: "#Nadaaniyaan — Indeed a silly one. Shauna Gautam presents a story where the rich meets the poor—but with Bollywood’s unsustainable definition of ‘poor.’"
The cinematic experience of Nadaaniyan may not have met the expectations of all viewers, but it demonstrated the often challenging position of carrying on family name legacies. Reviews swing between calling it "unbearable" and "a cute time-pass watch," showcasing the divisiveness of its reception and solidifying its spot on Netflix where discussions about it will likely continue for some time.