The release of the romantic drama film Nadaaniyan on March 7, 2025, starring Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor, has generated mixed responses from critics and audiences alike. Directed by Shauna Gautam and produced by Karan Johar's renowned Dharmatic Entertainment, the film aims to capture the struggles and emotions of today’s youth struggling under the weight of societal expectations. Set against the backdrop of Delhi's affluent society, the story explores the themes of love, pretense, and modern-day communication through the lens of wealthy teenagers.
The film revolves around Pia Jaisingh (played by Khushi Kapoor), who is portrayed as the quintessential rich girl ensnared by her family's patriarchal structure. To win over her friends—who mistakenly distrust her relationship status—Pia hires Arjun Mehta (Ibrahim Ali Khan), an aspiring lawyer and scholarship student from Greater Noida, to pretend to be her boyfriend. Arjun is incentivized with Rs 25,000 per week for this role, setting the stage for what promises to be both comedic and dramatic romantic escapades.
Critics have been vocal about their experiences watching the film, with many viewers taking to social media platforms like Twitter to express their thoughts. One user lamented, "Nadaaniyan is so bad like so bad i can't even like how can a movie be sooooo bad NO PLOT, NO STORYLINE, NO ACTINGS OMG." Another remarked, "If you want a masterclass in how not to act, just watch Nadaaniyan on Netflix; Khushi Kapoor and Ibrahim Ali Khan will show you exactly what to avoid," highlighting frustrations with the actors’ performances.
Despite such harsh critiques, some reviews noted redeeming qualities. Pinkvilla described Nadaaniyan as thriving on its softness and cuteness, making it "an easy, breezy watch for fans of teen romances." They praised the chemistry between the two leads, which lent the film some youthful energy, along with an engaging soundtrack featuring songs like "Nadaaniyan" and "Tere Ishq Mein." This soundtrack, reminiscent of Netflix's previous successful teen dramas, serves to define the film's vibe.
Nevertheless, the film's plot often falls prey to predictability and cliché. The storyline, which hinges on the budding romance between Pia and Arjun, lacks emotional depth and complexity. It often presents its characters more as living stereotypes rather than well-rounded individuals. Pia's familial discord, stemming from her father’s obsession with having a son to inherit his law firm, and Arjun's humble beginnings don’t fully translate to authentic and relatable narratives.
Critics articulated concerns about the film's dialogue, stating they felt unnatural, almost like social media captions rather than genuine conversations. A reviewer described how, during one pivotal school debate scene, Arjun wins over his classmates with the display of his abs rather than through logical argumentation. Such moments reflect the absurdity of the film, making it difficult for viewers to connect meaningfully with the story.
The lack of depth was echoed by multiple reviewers, leading to questions about the direction Bollywood’s rom-com genre is taking. How are filmmakers approaching the representation of youth? With the inclusion of modern themes like social media-driven relationships, Nadaaniyan seems to be trying to engage with current youth culture. Yet, the execution left much to be desired.
Veteran actors such as Suniel Shetty and Mahima Chaudhary do deliver noteworthy performances, providing some stability amid the chaos surrounding the film's lead characters. Shetty's portrayal of Pia’s well-meaning but flawed father offers moments of sincerity, granting him more purpose than many younger characters whose arcs feel disjointed and superficial.
Both Khushi Kapoor and Ibrahim Ali Khan's performances have been described as lacking the spark needed to infuse their characters with passion and depth. Khalid Khan’s character is particularly noted as being wooden and lethargic without the charm one would expect from the son of actor Saif Ali Khan. Critics pointed out, "Both Khushi Kapoor and Ibrahim Ali are painful to watch," illustrating their joint struggles with the material and direction provided. The film’s writing falters on numerous levels, often failing to lend its characters any real substance or intelligence.
The film’s art direction, showcasing their upscale high school, was critiqued for its distance from reality, with viewers observing it as disconnected from the typical academic life of Indian teenagers. There are no dress codes or structured classes shown; instead, the focus narrows solely on superficial interactions where relationships appear transactional. Critics lament the loss of storytelling depth, where stakes are perilously low and character growth stagnant.
Even as the credits roll, the film makes one interesting turn—opening with end credits featuring pictures and names of every artist involved, which was recognized as a refreshing practice within the industry. This acknowledgment highlights the collaborative nature of filmmaking even if the film itself failed to resonate deeply with audiences.
Overall, Nadaaniyan dwells within the sunset of superficiality—a film where the superficial excitement fails to translate to emotional payoffs. Much of its potential was lost among trappings of cliché writing, inconsistent performances, and lack of narrative coherence. For audiences hoping for significant insight or innovation within Bollywood romance, this film served more as a reminder of the genre's recent stagnation. Those seeking fresh and engaging narratives may want to look elsewhere, perhaps even turning to older classics like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai or contemporary younger offerings such as Never Have I Ever for fulfilling cinematic experiences.