Karan Johar’s film #Naadaniyan released on Netflix. It’s a debut film of #IbrahimAliKhan! While #KhushiKapoor is playing the female lead. Open your heart to a little nadaani and
Watch Nadaaniyan now, only on Netflix.#NadaaniyanOnNetflix pic.twitter.com/Y0seG0kdwV— KRK (@kamaalrkhan) March 8, 2025
Nadaaniyan, the latest Netflix and Karan Johar collaboration, struggles to impress despite the efforts of its young cast, including Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor. Directed by Shauna Gautam, the film features a predictable and outdated storyline that fails to connect with modern audiences. The movie revolves around Pia (Khushi Kapoor), a wealthy South Delhi girl trying to create her perfect love story, and Arjun (Ibrahim Ali Khan), a middle-class overachiever from Noida.
While it doesn’t surprise you, Nadaaniyan offers a lighthearted experience that can be enjoyable. Read our full review here.#NadaaniyanOnNetflix #IbrahimAliKhan #KhushiKapoor https://t.co/n7IAy5P5tC
— News18 (@CNNnews18) March 7, 2025
Pia convinces Arjun to pose as her boyfriend in a transactional arrangement, but genuine emotions eventually complicate their fake relationship. However, the narrative lacks depth and relatability. Nadaaniyan’s biggest shortcoming is its portrayal of young adults as frivolous and disconnected from reality.
#NadaaniyanOnNetflix takes the world by storm! ???? Despite mixed reviews, the film is trending globally in 29 countries, winning hearts as the perfect weekend rom-com. #IbrahimAliKhan ’s debut performance is stealing the show — a star is born! pic.twitter.com/0JmUxxsLlz
— Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) March 9, 2025
While Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor put in notable efforts, their characters exist in a bubble far removed from the experiences of today’s youth.
Cast efforts overshadowed by weak narrative
The supporting cast, including veterans like Dia Mirza and Suniel Shetty, is underutilized, with their characters contributing little to the already weak storyline.
Critics have panned Nadaaniyan for its predictability and its depiction of high school life. The film draws unfavorable comparisons to Karan Johar’s previous works, such as Student of the Year, but fails to deliver the same level of entertainment or originality. Many viewers find the concept of a rich girl falling for a middle-class boy tired and uninteresting.
Nadaaniyan is a disappointing addition to Netflix’s catalog, raising questions about the platform’s decision to greenlight it. Despite the promising talent of Ibrahim Ali Khan, the film fails to present a compelling story, making it an embarrassing watch for today’s evolved audience. Considering the potential of its cast and the resources at its disposal, Nadaaniyan represents a missed opportunity in contemporary cinema.